In their native habitat of South America , guzmanias grow on trees , where they pull together water from rain . They get nutrients from decomposing leaves or hoot and animate being droppings . Indoors , you mustreplicatetheir home ground as closely as potential . You may also grow them outdoors in USDA Zones 9 and above . After rosiness , they well develop offsets calledpups .
Guzmania Varieties
Guzmania typically grows in a rosette pattern with a brilliantly dark-skinned key flower stalk called an inflorescence . Among the different mixed bag are :
Choosing a Pot
Guzmanias lean to be top - heavy , so ensure your pot is full and dense enough to balance the top ontogenesis . Glazed ceramic or terra cotta is a upright pick ; do n’t use metal , as bromeliads are very metal - sensitive . The pot must debilitate well , Place several stones or broken in pieces of clayware in the bottom of the pot to advance drainage .
Potting Mix
Since guzmanias use their roots primarily to attach and stabilize the plant , they do n’t necessitate rich pottingsoil . However , they must have ground that debilitate well . Many experts recommend commercial-grade cactus or orchidaceous plant mix , as both drain well . you’re able to also fuse one - third each sphagnum moss , coconut coir or true fir barque , and perlite or vermiculite for your stack .
Light for Guzmanias
Guzmanias , like all bromeliads , ca n’t handle direct sunlight , which will damage their leaves . In the state of nature , they grow in filtered nicety from higher trees . A window with bright indirect illumination is a good choice . However , they may need a south - facing window in winter , when light-headed spirit level are lower . A translucent wraith or blind can help master supererogatory light .
Watering Guzmanias
Always use rain , distilled water or filtered water for guzmanias . dab weewee often turn back minerals as well as atomic number 17 and fluoride . The body of water should be room temperature – remember these plant are from the tropical zone . piddle to keep soil moist in leap and summertime , the originate period . Fill the flora ’s “ tank ” but enfeeble frequently as well to prevent dead weewee . Allow soil to dry to two in down between lachrymation .
Fertilizer for Guzmanias
Bromeliads in general are comparatively slowly - grow . Do n’t give your guzmanias too much plant food , as it can make them leggy and decrease their vivacious colors . Choose a balanced , piddle - soluble fertilizer and expend it at one - stern to one - half strength every calendar month in the growing period . At the conclusion of summer , place dull - release plant food pellets around the base of the plants – never in the plant ’s central depression or “ tank . ”
