Scarlet Star Bromeliad: 5-Month Red Bracts in Low Light

Botanical Name: Guzmania lingulata

One of the most common bromeliad houseplants. Leathery glossy leaves form a rosette/urn that must hold water. After 3–4 years, a bright red bract spike rises in the center, lasting ~5 months (small white true flowers hidden inside). Yellow/orange bract cultivars also popular. Grows well under fluorescent office lights. Keep out of direct sun (fades bracts).

Water: The Urn Method

Use rainwater or distilled water (tap chlorine/fluoride sensitive). Warm to room temp. Keep 1 inch in urn always. Soil barely moist. Empty urn weekly, refill fresh. Don't soak base.

No Repotting Until Offsets

Small pot promotes blooming. Slip nursery pot into decorative cachepot with pebbles for drainage.

Life Cycle

Blooms once, then dies slowly (up to 3 years). Propagate pups (offsets at base) for continuous collection.

Quick Reference: Scarlet Star Care

• Origin: Central & South America
• Height: ~12 in (30 cm) high; leaves to 18 in (45 cm)
• Light: Moderate to bright; no direct sun
• Water: Urn with rain/distilled water; soil barely moist
• Humidity: High preferred
• Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Soil: Bromeliad/orchid mix or equal parts fine fir bark + all-purpose mix
• Fertilizer: Monthly spring–summer: balanced liquid at half strength in urn, empty after 1 week, refill water. Or weak foliar spray monthly.
• Propagation: Remove pups at 3+ inches, pot in barely moist mix, high humidity first month