Guzmania, commonly called the vase plant or scarlet star is a fairly easy to grow medium-sized bromeliad. They have long, strappy lush green leaves with colourful rosette-shaped bracts that will eventually produce small white flowers. The bracts come in a range of colours and give a tropical vibe year-round. Guzmania can be grown both indoors and outdoor. They do best in bright, indirect sunlight, but will even tolerate low or artificial light. The flower spike will last for several months, but after that unfortunately the mother plant will die, but it should have left behind pups. After a Guzmania plant blooms and the mother plant dies back, with a pair of sharp and sterile garden scissors, carefully remove as much of the spent foliage as possible without harming the pups. This will ensure that the pups have enough space to grow. Pro tip: Read the watering instructions below. Add a drop of oil or spent coffee grounds in the central vase if the water gets infested with mosquitoes.
