Guzmania lingulata aka Scarlet Star Airplant
Taxonomy ID: 8347
Guzmania lingulata, also known as Scarlet Star or droophead tufted airplant, is a popular tropical bromeliad native to rainforest habitats in Central and South America. Its evergreen, tongue-shaped foliage grows in a star-shaped basal rosette, culminating in an orange and red bracted inflorescence. The large dark red bracts of Scarlet Star make it a shining queen of any living space. It takes around 3 years for the plant to reach maturity, and the praised red bracts don’t form until then. After the bracts turn red, they last for about 5 months, hiding tiny white flowers within. The plant blooms only once in its lifetime. In the wild, they collect rainwater in the center of their bracts, so try to mimic nature and leave a small pool for them to drink when watering. Scarlet Star is among the most commonly cultivated bromeliad types, with cultivars producing flowers in shades of maroon, red, orange, yellow, or pink.
Common names
Scarlet Star Airplant, Droophead Tufted Airplant, Bromelia, Tongue Leaf AirplantMore information about Scarlet Star Airplant
How difficult is it to take care of Scarlet Star Airplant
Scarlet Star Airplant requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What is the region of origin of Scarlet Star Airplant
Scarlet Star Airplant’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.
What are the water needs for Scarlet Star Airplant
Scarlet Star Airplant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Scarlet Star Airplant
Scarlet Star Airplant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Scarlet Star Airplant
To ensure optimal growth, the Scarlet Star Airplant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
What's the right humidity for Scarlet Star Airplant
Scarlet Star Airplant enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.
How to fertilize Scarlet Star Airplant
The growth of Scarlet Star Airplant is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Is Scarlet Star Airplant toxic to humans/pets?
Scarlet Star Airplant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
What seasonal care does Scarlet Star Airplant need?
During the cold period, it is common for Scarlet Star Airplant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Is Scarlet Star Airplant flowering?
If you provide your Scarlet Star Airplant with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
