Guzmania

Guzmanias are quite easy to grow, have attractive foliage and produce long lasting flowers year round. They are ideal house plants, as long as they have the basic warmth, water and light that they need.

Guzmanias grow best where it is warm - a kitchen is usually better than a bedroom. Protect your plant from frost and freezing conditions and it will stay healthy. Guzmanias do like plenty of light but try to avoid direct sunlight. A light room or window sill is perfect.

When these plants are in small pots they need to be watered regularly. Water thoroughly and then allow to dry slightly before watering again. To encourage growth try watering more frequently and repotting in the spring.

Guzmanias are tough plants and will recover from most problems with a little TLC. Slow growth and yellowing of lower leaves can be cured by a warmer night environment. However a sudden yellowing of leaves is more likely to be due to overwatering. Once the plant dries out dead leaves can be removed and new growth should appear. More light will encourage a non-flowering plant back into bloom.