Guzmania is a species of Bromeliad (family Bromeliaceae) that is native to South America, Central America, the West Indies and Florida. It is also known as Vase Plant. Light: Bright to medium indirect light. Can tolerate lower light levels. Water: Water when the soil is about 50% dry or less. Bromeliads should be watered through the center of the plant (into the cup-like middle) and water will flow out the leaves like a fountain to the roots. It’s best to always see moisture or water puddling in the center of the plant. Repotting: Repot into a nutrient rich, chunky soil. You can add orchid bark, gravel, LECA, perlite, rice hulls, etc into a regular potting mix. If repotting into a glazed ceramic or plastic pot, you won’t need to water as often as the pot will retain moisture. Terra cotta or unglazed ceramic is sometimes better to allow more airflow to the soil. Pet-Safe: Yes 100% non-toxic. Troubleshooting: When you purchase a bromeliad, you will likely have one plant that is flowering. This flower is actually called a “blushing stalk” which then produces a flower out of the top. Once this blushing stalk has finished flowering, it will die off. Offshoots will appear out the sides of the Bromeliad. You can cut these off and repot them or leave them on the mother plant for some time.
