Family: Bromeliaceae
Common name: Guzmania, Scarlet star, Droophead tufted airplant, Orange star, Vase plant
Scarlet star plants are a group of stunning bromeliads native to Central and South America, but can be grown in tropical climate throughout the world.
Plant characteristics
They are loved by gardeners for their vibrant and long-lasting flowers that can bring a splash of color to your garden. Scarlet star plants grow in dense rosettes formed by dark green, strap-like leaves that are can grow to a length of 30-45 cm.
The plants typically reach a height of 30 to 50 cm with the flowers lifted slightly higher than the level of the leaves. Scarlet stars are epiphytic plants that can grow on tree trunks, or rocky areas just like Orchids.
They can be grown in a medium that contains coconut husks, chips of wood, coal, orchid mix plus very little potting soil. Scarlet star rosettes are compact and symmetrical, giving them an elegant, architectural appearance.
The leaves of Guzmania plants are dark green, long, narrow, glossy, and arranged in a rosette formation with smooth margins. Leaves can also range in color from deep green, variegated green, yellow, or red, depending on the cultivars.
The bright flowers are the most distinguishing feature of the Scarlet star plant, emerging from the center of the rosette of leaves. These flowers come in a range of bright, brilliant colors like red, orange, pink, or yellow, depending on the cultivar.
The colorful bracts are formed around small, tubular flowers that are usually white or yellow. The flowers measure 20 to 30 cm in height and can stay for over 8-10 weeks.
After flowering, Scarlet star plants may produce small, berry-like fruits but they are very rarely seen in garden plants.
Gardening tips
Scarlet star plants are easy to grow, tolerant of drought and shade. In fact, these plants do not like bright, direct sunlight. They have to be watered in the center of the rosettes with distilled water just like the Aechmia fasciata or urn plants, to prevent build up of minerals from hard water.
Being epiphytic, they absorb nutrients and moisture from the air as well. So make sure they are kept in a reasonably moist area. It is a good idea to keep the pot in a tray of water filled with pebbles. Make sure the pot is well-drained, lest the plant roots rot.
Propagation
Propagation is through root division or offsets. Mature plants have small ‘pups’ growing around them, which can be removed gently and replanted. Once the plant fills a pot, it can be removed, divided into mulitple plants, and replanted.
Photographed at: Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Ontario
