James Burghardt
Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
Guzmania
Plant Common Name
Guzmania, Torch Bromeliad
General Description
Though mostly epiphytic (tree dwelling), Guzmania species may also grow as terrestrials (ground dwellers), so they are amenable to container culture. There are between 120 and 185 species in this tropical South American genus. They naturally exist in the rainforest canopy or floor and are referred to as "tank-type" bromeliads because they have the capacity to hold water in the cup formed by their leaf rosettes and leaf bases.
Guzmania may spread or remain somewhat solitary. They form variously sized rosettes of alternating stiff or leathery, strap-shaped leaves that come in lots of colors. The leaf edges tend to be smooth and the rosettes elongated. Leaf color varies, but the central leaves tend to color up in bright shades or red, orange, pink or yellow when rosettes are preparing to flower. Flowering time is species dependent, but the glorious spikes of some Guzmania can last for months. Most of the three-petaled flowers are borne from a cone of colorful bracts. Pollinators vary widely from species but include bats, hummingbirds and insects. The fruits may be berries or capsules, depending on the species.
Rainforest species like Neoregelia need consistent moisture in their central cup and leaf spaces but require well-drained, average soil or growing medium at the root zone. Preferred soil pH may be slightly acid or alkaline depending on the species, but overall neutral pH is most favored. Partial sun or filtered bright light brings about the best leaf color. These are true tropicals, so almost all species are completely intolerant of frost.
There are many colorful Guzmania hybrids that have been bred for pot culture indoor and out. In frost free zones, these are favored as landscape specimens.
Characteristics
-
Plant Type
Tender Perennial
-
Native To
North America, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Evergreen
Yes
