Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
Guzmania 'Class'
Plant Common Name
Class Guzmania, Guzmania, Torch Bromeliad
General Description
The brightly colored bromeliad, ‘Class’, is distinguished by its compact habit, spineless, glossy leaves and long-lasting crimson floral stem. A tender tropical perennial favored for container culture, this shade-loving hybrid was developed from Guzmania epiphytes (tree dwellers) native to the Tropical Americas.
The wide, strap-shaped leaves of ‘Class’ are glossy, thin and flexible. They are arranged in a rosette that forms a reservoir, or vase, in which rainfall and leaf litter can collect to provide moisture and nourishment. Its small roots cling to tree bark or branches. In spring and summer, when growing conditions are warmest, an upright floral stalk is produced from the center of the rosette. The showy inflorescence is comprised of brilliant crimson bracts (modified leaves) that support tiny yellow flowers which attract hummingbirds. Even after the flowers fade, the bracts remain attractive for weeks afterward. Once the rosette flowers, it will slowly deteriorate and die but not before forming small new plants, called pups, at the base.
Grow guzmania in bright filtered light both indoors and out and provide moist, well-drained, sandy soil or porous potting medium that is not heavy. Plants grow best in humid environments where night temperatures are cool and days warm. House plants adapt very well to low light and will even survive with fluorescent lighting alone. Enjoy this colorful tropical as a house plant, patio container filler or landscape plant for frost-free zones.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
15"-20" / 38.1cm - 50.8cm
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
