This genus of epiphytic perennials form rosettes of mid to dark green lanced-shaped leaves and grows in trees or on decaying organic matter. The yellow tube-shaped flowers appear in a upright cluster in the centre the plant, surrounded by bracts during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Guzmania species are naturally found from the West Indies and Ecuador in Central America to the mountainous rainforests of Colombia in South America growing in trees as an epiphyte or terrestrially in the shaded understory.

They prefer a shaded to semi-shade humid wind protected position and grow in well-drained humus rich moist sandy loam or compost leaf mould in the forks of trees. They are frost and drought tender and require misting during summer.

These colourful epiphytic perennials are grown for their attractive colourful flower heads and clumping habit. They are planted in tropical gardens around a water feature or mass planted at the base of trees and as epiphyte in trees. They are also grown as a potted indoor plant or as a glasshouse specimen in cool climates. They are suitable for coastal and mountainous regions preferring a hot humid environment and establishing division in 2-3 years. ID 976

Guzmania(guz-MAHN-ee-a)species

Bromeliaceae(bro-mee-lee-AY-see-ee)