Guzmania Bromeliads

by Amanda T., Richardson

A very popular, very colorful houseplant, the Guzmania Bromeliad will add a bit of tropical flare to your home or summer beds.

Guzmanias don't need a lot of root room and very little water. Fill the cups until they spill into the soil and then don't water again until the water in the cup is barely visible. This usually takes a week.

The bloom will fail after a year and is usually discarded. However, it is a very fun hobby plant. If you wish to see the plant re-bloom, water the babies as soon as they appear along with the mother. Hide the plant away and let the mother die without pruning. This will feed the babies' growth. Watch out for unimpressive babies. If the leaves are crinkling (caused by insufficient moisture in the young cups) cut them away to let a new baby pop up. After the mother is completely dead you can cut her away, too. Bring the bromeliad back out of hiding. You'll have a nice green plant for a couple of years before each baby produces another beautiful flower.

All info based on the DFW Metroplex area. Please call for availability.