Guzmania lingulata
An easy, monocarpic epiphytic bromeliad from Central and South American rainforests forming a star-shaped rosette of glossy green leaves with a central water reservoir, featuring vibrant red-orange bracts and a long-lasting red or orange inflorescence, flowering once before dying back and producing offsets for propagation, and commonly grown as a shade-tolerant houseplant in bright indirect light with warm humidity and well-draining, consistently moist conditions.
Common Names
Scarlet Star, Droophead Tufted Airplant, Orange Star, Vase Plant, Scarlet Star Bromeliad, Tongue-Shaped Guzmania, Bromeliad
Summary
Native to tropical forests of Central and South America, the plant is an epiphytic bromeliad forming a basal rosette of glossy green leaves with a central inflorescence of red or orange bracts and small white flowers; it is monocarpic, flowering once and then dying back, with offshoots (pups) that renew the plant.
Preferring warm, bright indirect light and high humidity, it grows best in a well-draining orchid/bromeliad mix or similar substrate; water is kept in the central rosette with lime-free water, avoiding soggy roots, and temperatures typically range from 16–27°C; commonly grown as an indoor plant or interiorscape, propagation occurs by separating offsets, and the plant is non-toxic to humans and pets.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1-2 feet
Spread
1-2 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 10a-12b
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade.
Soil Type
Light, airy, well-draining substrate
Soil Drainage
Well-draining soil
Soil pH
5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic)
Bloom Color
White or Yellow
Bloom Time
Summer
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Slow
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Propagation Methods
Seeds and Cuttings, Division
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- (L.) Mez
- Publication
- Monogr. Phan. 9: 899 (1896)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Poales
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Genus
- Guzmania
Inferior Taxa
Guzmania lingulata var. cardinalis Guzmania lingulata var. lingulata Guzmania lingulata var. minor Guzmania lingulata var. flammea