Scarlet star (Guzmania lingulata)
Guzmania lingulata, the Scarlet star, is an easy-care epiphyte offering striking red bracts in bright, indirect light.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Scarlet star (Guzmania lingulata) is a highly valued tropical epiphyte, prized by indoor gardeners for its architectural foliage and long-lasting, colorful bracts. This species of Guzmania lingulata does not grow in traditional soil but naturally clings to trees in its native Tropical Americas. Growers appreciate the striking contrast provided by its rosette of green leaves forming a natural ‘vase’ that holds water.
As a member of the Bromeliad family, proper cultivation of Guzmania lingulata relies on humidity and excellent drainage rather than rich substrate. While its true flowers are subtle, the vibrant, persistent red, pink, or yellow bracts provide exceptional visual interest for months. This plant thrives indoors or successfully decorates commercial spaces, making it a versatile choice.
Successful cultivation means mimicking its jungle environment by providing bright, indirect light and warmth. The Scarlet star requires careful watering, ensuring the central cup remains filled during warm months while allowing the potting mix to dry out slightly between applications, preventing the root rot common in overwatered bromeliads.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Bromeliaceae
- Plant Type: Epiphyte
- Native Range: Tropical Americas
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: White with yellow, pink and red bracts
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
As an epiphyte, Guzmania lingulata requires a porous, fast-draining mix, often incorporating orchid bark, coarse sand, or charcoal, rather than standard potting soil. These plants do not live in soil; they anchor themselves to supports. When planting or repotting, ensure the setup allows air to reach the roots easily, as Guzmania are highly susceptible to root rot if the soil remains soggy.
Watering for the Scarlet star involves two key methods. First, keep the central rosette or ‘cup’ filled with fresh water, especially during the summer, changing it regularly to prevent stagnation. Second, water the potting medium when it feels dry to the touch; allow the soil to dry out before watering well again. Reduce watering frequency significantly during the cooler winter months.
Guzmania lingulata demands warmth, ideally never dropping below 60°F at night. Since they obtain moisture from the air in nature, high humidity is crucial for prosperous growth indoors. Fertilize very sparingly, using a diluted fertilizer applied at half-strength or less, often added directly to the central cup during the growing season.
Remember that after the parent plant finishes blooming—which can last several months—it will eventually die. Renewal is achieved by nurturing the “pups” or offshoots that emerge near the base. Once pups are established, they can be carefully separated for propagation.
Landscape Uses
While strictly an indoor or tropical garden specimen due to its minimal cold tolerance (Zones 10-12), the Scarlet star excels in applications where low light and high visual impact are needed. They are remarkably effective in commercial interiors, lighting up shadowed hallways or office environments where many flowering plants fail.
For home use, Guzmania lingulata makes an outstanding specimen plant in containers. Group them with other humidity-loving bromeliads or shade-tolerant foliage plants like ferns or peace lilies to create rich, layered tropical displays on patios or in bright, protected sunrooms. Their compact height (1-2 feet) makes them excellent tabletop focal points.
The visual appeal of the brightly colored bracts means they stand out beautifully when placed near architectural features or in minimalist décor settings. Because they tolerate artificial light well and hold color for so long, they serve as reliable, color-fast accent plants throughout the year in controlled environments.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Guzmania lingulata, commonly called vase plant, has foliage 18 inches long. The green leaves, sometimes with dark crossbands, form a funnel-shaped rosette. The flower stem is usually shorter than the leaves. The flowerhead is globular with up to 50 flowers with white petals nestling in a bed of large red to pink bracts. The flowers often last 2 to 4 months.Genus name honors Anastasio Guzman, an 18th-century Spanish naturalist.Specific epithet means strap-like
Tolerances
- Pups and Offshoots (Propagation)
Potential Problems
Potential issues for the Scarlet star largely relate to cultural mismatch, particularly concerning humidity and moisture levels. Watch for common pests such as scales, spider mites, and mealybugs, which can become established, especially if the plant is stressed. Fungal issues often manifest as leaf spots if moisture sits too long on the foliage rather than draining away.
The most significant challenge in home environments is maintaining sufficient ambient humidity for successful growth; dry indoor air can stress the Guzmania lingulata. Ensure air circulation is good to mitigate fungal risks, but avoid placing the vase plant directly near cold drafts, which can shock the tropical epiphyte.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Scarlet star suitable for?
The Scarlet star (Guzmania lingulata) is only suitable for USDA Zones 10 through 12, meaning it must be grown indoors or protected from any frost in cooler climates.
How large does Scarlet star grow?
This is a relatively small epiphyte, typically reaching a height between 1 and 2 feet tall, with a similar spread of 1 to 2 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Scarlet star need?
Guzmania lingulata prefers part shade to full shade conditions, thriving best away from direct, intense afternoon sun which can scorch its foliage.
When does Scarlet star bloom?
The Scarlet star is a seasonal bloomer, producing its showy structures that consist of white flowers nestled among large, long-lasting red to pink bracts.
Companion Planting
When designing displays featuring Guzmania lingulata, select companions that share moderate light and high humidity requirements. In tropical understory arrangements, ferns, such as Boston or Kimberly Queen ferns, offer softer texture while benefiting from the same moist air conditions. Calatheas and Marantas are also excellent companions, providing complementary leaf patterns beneath the architectural form of the bromeliad. Always ensure companion plants do not require consistently wet soil, as this poses a serious risk of root rot to the epiphytic Guzmania.
Propagation Tips
The primary method for renewing your display of Guzmania lingulata is through division of the offshoots, commonly called pups. Wait until the pup has developed to about one-third the size of the parent plant and has produced a few of its own leaves. This allows the pup a better chance of survival after separation. Use a clean, sharp knife to sever the pup from the mother plant, ensuring you sever the connecting stolon. Pot the new pup immediately into a highly porous, well-draining bromeliad mix, keeping it slightly warmer and providing high humidity until it establishes its own root system.
Conclusion
The Guzmania lingulata, or Scarlet star, offers exceptional, long-lasting color for low-light interiors and sheltered outdoor spaces in warm zones. Its unusual epiphytic nature rewards the attentive gardener willing to manage its specific watering needs—keeping the cup filled while avoiding soggy roots. Before bringing this striking tropical home, confirm your climate aligns with USDA Zones 10-12 or plan for dedicated container care.
