Guzmania how to care. Guzmania indoor flower: care, reproduction, general information. Decorative types of guzmania

Genus Guzmania (Guzmania) includes more than a hundred species. This unusual plant lives for about a couple of years before the active flowering phase, and about six months after flowering. Proper and timely transplantation of home-grown guzmania is one of the most responsible and important measures for caring for an exotic plant, aimed at preserving decorativeness and obtaining abundant and long flowering.

How to transplant guzmania after purchase

Like any plant, it is advisable to transplant guzmania after purchase. Many amateur flower growers try for the first and only time to transplant Guzmania of any kind immediately after purchase. As a rule, flower growing companies and shops sell already blooming guzmania, so after about six months the apical part of the plant will dry out and the flower dies.

To get a long and abundant flowering, as well as high-quality planting material in the form of children, it is necessary to carefully remove the plant from the transport soil and transplant it into a new planting container filled with a nutrient soil substrate. It is best to transplant the acquired ornamental culture into purchased nutrient soil for growing bromeliads. You can make your own nutrient mix by mixing equal parts soddy soil, coarse sand, crushed sphagnum moss, and peat chips.

Raising babies at home

Guzmania or Guzmania is quite popular annual plant from the bromeliad family. Reproduction of an ornamental culture is carried out by separating the newly formed lateral processes-children left after the death of the parent plant, as well as seed way. The first option in the conditions indoor floriculture has become the most popular and is carried out in accordance with the following technology:

the lateral process is formed at the stage of the flowering period of the parent plant and over time is transformed into a separate, full-fledged plant;
after the shoot reaches a height of 14-16 cm, it can be separated and planted in a separate flower pot;
well-developed offspring of guzmania have three to four leaves and have a well-formed root system.

How to transplant guzmania (video)

In some cases, the parent plant does not die after the formation of the shoot, but develops further and forms new shoots. As a rule, after flowering, indoor guzmania fades and the peduncle must be removed, which allows not only to form, but also to grow up for children. To stimulate growth processes indoor plant it is advisable to install in shading and stop irrigation activities. Most often, under such conditions, the process of forming a full-fledged process takes about three months. It is strictly forbidden to carry out the separation and transplantation of children who have not formed a root system.

Transfer kids to permanent place in separate flower pots preferably in spring, which will allow the young plant to adapt to the new growing place to the maximum short time. Guzmania can also be grown with seeds that need to be disinfected in a pink solution of potassium permanganate, dried a little to a loose state and sown on the surface of a previously prepared soil substrate.

Rules for choosing a pot and soil for transplanting guzmania

The soil mixture for growing an ornamental crop of this species should be quite specific, which is due to the peculiarities of the growth of guzmania in natural conditions. In its homeland, this culture does not use soil for nutrition, but the old wood of plants. In the conditions of indoor floriculture, guzmania can be planted in ready-made soils intended for growing bromeliads.

Realizable also fits perfectly flower shops soil for growing orchids. Experienced growers and cultivation specialists exotic plants it is recommended to add coniferous needles, as well as crushed charcoal, to the already prepared soil substrate based on peat, sphagnum moss, pieces of tree bark and loose leafy soil, which will improve the looseness of the soil, and also make it as light as possible and optimally suitable for bromeliads.

How to separate Guzman babies (video)

At self-cooking soil mixture for growing guzmania, you can mix three parts of leafy soil, one part of pine bark and one part of medium-grained river sand. Before planting a plant, it is required to disinfect the soil mixture with a high-temperature regime in the oven.

Do not use too large and voluminous planting containers for transplanting and planting decorative room culture. The flower pot should be adequate in size to the relatively small and shallow root system of the Guzmania. It is best to purchase a shallow medium-sized flower pot for growing. The main condition for a proper transplant is the creation of a good drainage layer in the planting tank and the presence of high-quality drainage holes. Only in this case it is possible to prevent stagnation of moisture in the soil and save the ornamental culture from root rot.

Guzmania transplant technology

As a rule, adult plants die after flowering and they do not need a transplant, but it is recommended to plant or transplant shoots of an ornamental culture very carefully, according to the following technology:

gently release the root system of the transplanted process or young ornamental plant;
lay the extracted plant on a dry surface for about an hour;
process the roots of the transplanted culture with a rooting stimulator, which can be used as "Kornevin" or "Heteroauxin";
pour a drainage layer into a flower pot, the volume of which should be about a third of the planting capacity;
fill up an elevation from fertile soil and install a young rosette of decorative room culture;
sprinkle very gently on the roots young plant pre-prepared nutrient soil substrate to the level of the root neck of the plant.

How to care for guzmania (video)

It is very important to remember that the root system of any kind of guzmania is very fragile, so tamp the soil in flower pot absolutely impossible. After planting, abundant watering is carried out, and, if necessary, topping up. nutrient soil. Watering the planted plant is carried out in a leaf outlet with settled water at room temperature with the addition of a few drops of Kornevin. Further care behind the plant consists in watering, fertilizing, as well as carrying out preventive measures.

Houseplant gusmania (guzmania) belongs to an extensive genus of herbaceous evergreen epiphytes growing on open mountain slopes and in the rainforests of Brazil, Venezuela, the West Indies, Central America and South Florida. Guzmania received their generic name in honor of the Spanish explorer of South American nature Anastasio Guzman, but many flower growers call the epiphyte Guzmania using the transliteration of the Latin name.

Of the 130 species of the genus in room culture, the most common is the reed gusmania - a large spectacular epiphyte, on the basis of which many decorative forms were derived, such as purple, modestly colored, fiery. However, Gusmania Minor Rondo, a compact, attractive plant of hybrid origin with bright green or reddish leaves about 2.5 cm wide, received universal recognition from exotic lovers. Lemon-yellow or red “minor” bracts can be both erect and sprawling. AT room conditions Growing Gusmania of this variety is not at all difficult: they coexist perfectly with other green pets, do not take up much space and respond gratefully to minimal care.

Conditions of detention

Gusmania, as well as other natives of tropical rainforests, adore bright diffused light, so most of the year the exotic pot should be located at the east window. In the period from October to February, when it is gloomy and cloudy outside, it is advisable to keep the plant on the south side. Unlike some indoor pets, such as ficus or croton, Gusmania calmly reacts to movement, so you can move it from place to place at least daily. In addition, an exotic tropican needs fresh air: summer "vacations" in the open air or daily ventilation of the room will have a beneficial effect on the development of the plant.

To temperature regime Gusmania Minor Rondo does not impose any special requirements, at +18 ... +26 ° C she will be quite comfortable. The optimal indicator during active growth is +25 ° C, during the flowering period - about +20 ° C.

Basic care

It is very interesting to follow the growth of a tropical beauty, but there are some subtleties in caring for her:

Water the plant in the morning. Gusmania leaves are collected in a dense rosette-jug, in the lower part of which (the first 6–8 leaves) filtered or rain water. It is necessary to strictly ensure that in extreme heat this tank is filled with water at least 2 cm. low light and low ambient temperature (+18 ° C and below), the water is drained from the outlet, and the leaves are only sprayed. After flowering, there should not be water in the “jug” either - excess moisture will lead to rotting of the plant.
In addition to plentiful and regular watering, Gusmania Minor Rondo needs daily spraying with warm distilled or boiled water. From October to February, this procedure is preferably carried out in the morning. When spraying water, make sure that the spray does not fall on the bracts, otherwise the “sultans” will dry out ahead of time.
From March to the end of August, Gusmania must be fed monthly with ready-made fertilizer for orchids. A universal liquid fertilizer for flowering crops is also suitable for this purpose, but the dosage indicated in the instructions will have to be reduced by 2-3 times. The nutrient solution is fed into the outlet, the top layer of the substrate is slightly moistened with it and the foliage is sprayed. During flowering, top dressing is carried out every 10 days. When buying fertilizers, be sure to pay attention to the composition of the selected product; it should not contain boron and copper. These elements are toxic to Guzmania.

These simple caring activities will be enough to make the exotic guest feel as comfortable at home as in her native tropics.

Transplant rules

Gusmania Minor Rondo is transplanted as needed, but not more than once every 2-3 years. Sometimes a one-time transplant immediately after purchase is enough for a plant for its entire not very long life. The substrate for transplantation should be moisture-absorbing and slightly acidic. Here are some good options:

chopped sphagnum + chopped fern roots (3:1);
bark coniferous trees+ leafy earth + moss + sand (2: 2: 1: 1);
peat + turf land + sphagnum moss + sand (4: 2: 2: 1).

The root system of Gusmania is not impressive in size, so the transplant container should not be too spacious. Suitable flower pot with a diameter of 10-12 cm with holes in the bottom. At the bottom of the tank, before starting work, a drainage layer of expanded clay or pebbles is laid. The plant is transferred to a new place with the utmost care, since the fragile roots of Gusmania break very easily.

Vegetative propagation

At the end of flowering, the maternal rosette of Gusmania Minor Rondo dies off, but leaves behind offspring. Daughter sockets, which have their own roots about 1.5 cm long, are separated from the old plant and planted in separate pots with orchid soil. To provide kids with a "tropical" microclimate, plantings are covered with film or glass and kept at a temperature of +26 ... +28 ° C. Keep in mind that young rosettes do not form their own roots at the same time, which means that the separation operation will have to be carried out more than once.

If you want to get a large lush bush gusmania Minor Rondo, you can not settle the daughter outlets into individual pots, but transplant them in a group into a fresh substrate, after cutting off the shrunken mother plant.

Growing from seeds

The generative method of propagation of Gusmania Minor Rondo is practiced extremely rarely, since its seeds grown have low germination, and plants grown from them do not inherit varietal characteristics"parent".

The process itself is not particularly difficult, but it takes time and patience:

The seedling container is filled with moist soil for bromeliads.
Pre-washed in a solution of potassium permanganate and dried seeds are scattered over the substrate without embedding.
The container is covered with a film or glass and placed at a temperature of + 22 ° ... + 25 ° C, the crops are ventilated daily and regularly sprayed with warm water.

Seed germination will take about 2-3 weeks. At the age of 2–2.5 months, the grown seedlings dive into a denser substrate, composed of peat, leafy and soddy soil (4: 2: 1), and six months later, the seedlings will be ready for planting in a permanent place. They will bloom in the fourth or fifth year of life.

Possible difficulties

Health problems await Guzmania Minor Rondo only if she is kept in unsuitable conditions or gross mistakes are made in caring for her. For example:

With excessive watering, the plant runs the risk of contracting a fungal infection. The base of the rosette of a diseased specimen turns black, and ugly ones creep along the leaves. brown spots. Having noticed these symptoms, Gusmania should be urgently transplanted into a fresh substrate and sprayed with Fundazol. Unfortunately, these measures are effective only in the early stages of the disease.
In the overdried stale air, the tips of the Gusmania leaves turn brown and curl. To prevent this trouble, do not forget to spray the flower regularly.
Using chlorinated tap water for irrigation and spraying will result in white streaks on the leaves. To soften irrigation water it is recommended to boil, defend, filter, and also add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to it.

Features of flowering

Gusmania Minor Rondo blooms luxuriantly and for a long time, a riot of colors lasts from late February to mid-August. Then the plant begins to fade and dies within six months, having managed to form several daughter outlets during this time. By the way, red and lemon-yellow "sultans", popularly referred to as flowers, in fact, are not. These are bracts, among which the nondescript spike-shaped inflorescences of the Tropican are hidden.

It happens that for some unknown reason, Gusmania refuses to bloom. If the plant is healthy and kept in favorable conditions, a little trick will help solve the problem: put a few very ripe apples or bananas next to the pot and cover the resulting “still life” with polyethylene for a day. After the specified time, remove the film, and after a couple of hours, return it to its original place. Repeat this manipulation for several days in a row. Overripe fruit will release ethylene gas, which stimulates flowering, and soon your exotic stubborn will be transformed in the most wonderful way.

Gusmania - perennial evergreen Guzmania genus, Bromeliad family. Can be used as an annual. The flower is often called Guzmania or Gutsmania. Native to Central and South America. There are about 130 plant species. It can reach a height of about 45 cm. Large green elliptical leaves with a sharp end. Bracts are red, pink, yellow, orange, light green and white. In its natural environment, a tropical flower belongs to epiphytes (it grows not on soil, but on other plants). The flowers of some species of Gusmania are cleistogamous. They do not open and self-pollination occurs inside the buds. Many representatives of the culture are popular houseplants.

Beautiful Gusmania bloom.

Lighting

Representatives of the genus easily tolerate changes in light intensity for a long time without side effects. The plant prefers semi-shaded rooms. It is advisable to choose the southern, eastern or west side buildings for optimal conditions flower cultivation. Avoid exposure to direct sun rays.

The plant prefers semi-shaded rooms.

In most cases, the color of the bromeliad leaves will indicate an inappropriate light level. Leaves that are yellowish or pale green may indicate too much sunlight. Conversely, a dark green, elongated plant is proof low level lighting.

Room temperature

indoor flower Gusmania requires conditions suitable for growing tropical and subtropical plants. In its natural environment, the culture tolerates heat above +37 degrees.

At home, it is desirable to provide summer period stable mode from +21 to +24 degrees. In winter, a decrease in the range between +16 - +18 degrees is permissible.

Optimal Humidity

Bromeliad grows best in indoors at a relative humidity of 40 to 60 percent. Unfortunately, the average humidity in most homes is well below 40 percent. Especially during the winter months when the heaters are on. You can increase the level of humidity in your home by installing an inexpensive humidifier. In the immediate vicinity of the plant, you can improve the indicator by placing the flowerpot on a layer of wet gravel (3-5 cm). The water evaporated from the pebbles will increase the humidity.

The bottom of the pot should not be in the water. Thus, it is possible to create a swampy environment, which will damage the root system. Another way to increase the humidity around plants is to spray water in close proximity to Gusmania regularly throughout the day.

Air circulation

Guzmania needs good air circulation. Flow fresh air supplies the plant carbon dioxide and moisture. Flowers grown in stagnant air are more susceptible to attack by scale insects and fungal organisms. Which subsequently leads to a sharp deterioration in the state of culture. Air circulation can be improved in the home by frequently ventilating the rooms. On hot days, you can run the fan at low speed for most of the day.

How often to water the plant

Gusmania grown in a flower pot should be watered when the soil surface becomes dry. Unlike standard plant care practices, the soil should be thoroughly moistened until water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Then you can not water until the top of the earthen coma dries. Under normal living conditions it is enough to provide one abundant watering once a week.

In conditions of low relative humidity, water the soil more often. Gusmania produces a rosette of broad leaves. This forms a "bowl" or "vase" in the center of the plant. It should be watered directly at the place where the leaves are grouped.

It is advisable to use filtered water at room temperature. When the air temperature reaches below +19 degrees, the liquid from the outlet should be poured out. Excessive moisture does much more harm to the plant than the periodic drying of the earth.

The need for pruning

There is an opinion that the care of Gusmania does not involve the removal of parts of the plant. In fact, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the plant and, as necessary, clean the culture:

If new babies do not appear after flowering, the peduncle must be removed. At the stage of seed production, the plant cannot quickly form young gusmania.
If the ends of the leaves have turned brown, you should get rid of the dead areas. To do this, use disinfected scissors. The culture will not suffer from shearing damaged areas. After the procedure, wipe the leaves with a damp towel.

Transfer

Gusmania sellers claim that the plant does not need to change the soil after purchase. In fact, soil intended for transportation is suitable for temporary crop maintenance. Therefore, you should use a soil mixture for orchids or palms. You can prepare a special composition yourself.

The soil mixture for transplanting Gusmania can be prepared at home.

For this you will need:

Buy sphagnum moss and ferns.
Prepare sand, bark coniferous plants and leaf litter.
Mix all ingredients.
The prepared substrate should be poured into a container with drainage. It is advisable to choose a container no more than 13 cm in diameter. Styrofoam, broken shards of pots or special material can be used as drainage.
It must be remembered that the container should be initially weighted to avoid overweight of the plant.
The substrate must meet several parameters - water permeability, friability, acidity not higher than 7.0.
The rhizomes of the plant are very fragile. You need to be extremely careful not to damage the Gusmania during transplantation.
Children are underdeveloped. If they are separated at the transplant stage, the immature Gusmania will die.

For more information on caring for Gusmania, see the video:

Husmania in the open field - myth or reality

Climatic conditions do not allow growing Gusmania in open ground. The plant prefers high humidity air and does not withstand strong gusts of wind, drafts and scorching sun. In addition, the flowering time of the culture falls on spring - early summer. Therefore, to provide appropriate conditions is unrealistic. You can choose an alternative way to breed bromeliads - equip winter Garden. In this case, the plant can take root in a favorable environment.

In its natural environment, Gusmania grows as an epiphyte.

Growing Gusmania on a windowsill

Ground Requirements

Bromeliads have a limited root system compared to other flowering annuals and perennials. In their natural environment, roots function primarily as a support or anchoring system. Bromeliads absorb water and minerals to a greater extent through leaves from moisture in the air and through rosettes.

For vegetative growth, it is important to protect the root system. The plant will die in heavy clay soil. To improve the soil, you need to add organic matter(peat, leaf humus, compost). well drained sandy soils ideal for growing bromeliads. If it is not possible to purchase ready-made soil mixture, you can choose one of the options for preparing the filler:

One part peat, one part bark, ½ part coarse sand.
One part peat, one part bark, ½ part perlite.
One part peat, one part leaf humus, ½ part coarse sand.

Container selection

Ideally, you can choose the capacity using a small equation. To do this, you need to measure the height of the plant from the soil line to the highest leaf. Divide the resulting number by 3. The result is the ideal container diameter.

In addition to the calculation, you should definitely pay attention to the details:

Built-in water drain.
container material.
The ratio of the depth of the pot to the diameter.
Gusmania is prone to capsizing. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a low, squat container. A heavy pot with attached drainage pans will also work.
You can buy a vase square shape as a planter.

top dressing

Actively growing Gusmanias respond well to light application of fertilizers. During winter months or in low light conditions, they require little to no feeding. Liquid fertilizer for indoor plants general purpose can be used in potting soil at 1/3 to ½ of the recommended dose every 1-2 months. It is often advised to apply top dressing directly to the outlet. This can lead to a buildup of fertilizer salts and burn off new, weak leaves.

Prone to disease and pest damage

Anthracnose

Symptoms are slightly sunken patches with dark brown or yellow-brown edges. Affected areas contain small dark fungal spores on the leaves. Masses of spores form along the leaf veins in the form of concentric rings. A pink tint may appear in the center of the spot. This is the main symptom of infected tissue.

Usually large areas turn brown on the leaf, dry up along the edges of the leaves, the tips of the leaves turn yellow, then take on a dark brown color. As a result, Gusmania dies.

For treatment and prevention, conditions for moderate watering should be created for the plant and thermal regime. In case of infection, it is not recommended to separate the children for reproduction.

leaf spot

Caused by helminthosporia. A symptom of infection with a fungal disease - spots on the leaves of brown or purple hue with white dots in the center. Severely affected leaves take on a purple or reddish color. Eventually the leaves dry up.

Abundant watering and keeping in direct sunlight contribute to the development of the disease. Weekly procedures should be carried out using fungicides.

Bacterial spotting

Caused by erwinia carotovora, it is the most common pathogen among representatives of Gusmania. On the leaves, the infection manifests itself in the form of dotted spots, which subsequently become watery, yellow and light brown in color. At high temperature air spots quickly expand, become mucous. The leaf may die within a few days.

Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. At the first signs of the disease, overhead watering and spraying water on the leaves should be avoided.

It is very important to separate infected plants from healthy ones after the first signs appear. Seriously infected parts of the culture should be carefully inspected and removed. Be sure to sterilize all soiled pruning shears, tools, and so on.

The leaves at the base of the plant have darkened

Gusmania is prone to root rot. Roots that are constantly in the water begin to rot. If the rot has not spread too much, you can cure the plant with a fungicide. If mature babies appear on the culture, they need to be separated and transplanted into separate containers. Then you should try to save the mother plant.

The first symptom of the disease is that the leaves at the base turned yellow.

Salt accumulations on foliage

Mineral accumulation on the leaves comes from watering with tap water. As the tap water evaporates from the leaves and from the rosette, traces of mineral buildup remain.

To remove buildup, spray the leaves with distilled water and rub them gently. soft cloth. It is important to rinse the pan about once a week.

Overuse of fertilizer can also cause leaf damage.

Pronounced yellow spots on the leaves

Brown or light brown spots on the leaves indicate too much exposure to direct sunlight. It is advisable to move the flowerpot to a shaded part of the room.

Reaction to the flower

Gusmania can cause allergic manifestations. Exposure symptoms include skin rash and itchy throat. An allergic reaction to a culture can cause serious harm to health. It is necessary to immediately limit contact with the flower and take an antihistamine.

Breeding technique

Growing up with kids

Gusmania can be propagated with the help of separated children. After flowering is completed, the lateral processes that appear around the outlet should be separated. During the maturation period, children build up their own root system. When the size of the roots reaches about 2 cm, the process should be removed with disinfected scissors. Wounds on Gusmania and children must be treated with garden putty (special var).

Children form roots unevenly. Therefore, shoots should be planted as they mature into a prepared container. To protect fragile young representatives of bromeliads, you need to use a plastic bag. After rooting, you can plant the plants in separate containers.

Seated Gusmania babies in separate containers.

Gusmania from seeds

You can grow your own gusmania "Mix" with the help of seeds. For this you will need:

Prepare peat mixed with sand.
Scatter dry planting material on the surface. Seeds should be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
It is not recommended to cover with earth from above.
Must be covered with cling film.
The temperature for growing should be about +23 degrees.
Seeds periodically need to be aired and sprayed with water on emerging shoots.
Strengthened sprouts after two months can be planted in a mixture of peat, greenhouse soil and leaf humus.
After 6 months, you can move the grown plant to a separate container.

The culture, depending on the created conditions, will begin to bloom no earlier than in 4 years.

Why Gusmania does not bloom

Like most bromeliads, Gusmania will only bloom once for a long time. After the inflorescence wilts, the culture will die. Therefore, the absence of inflorescences does not always indicate improper care. In the case of bromeliads, the flower may not yet be ripe for bud formation.

How to choose Gusmania

Finding Gusmania seeds is quite difficult. You can leave an application for planting material in specialized nurseries.

Growing Gusmania in garden nurseries.

The grown shoots are sold at flower forums, exhibitions and online stores for an average of 50 rubles.

You can buy a two-year-old Gusmania in a flower pot at different prices depending on the variety:

Guzmaniya "Minor Rondo" - 980 rubles.
Guzmania "Tempo" - 500 rubles.

AT last years among flower growers, an unusual indoor flower is popular - Guzmania, or Guzmania (lat. Guzmania). It harmoniously combines light green leaves and a bright bract. Difficulties in growing usually do not arise - this is unpretentious plant. And all the subtleties of agricultural technology are described in this article.

As a houseplant, Gusmania is known relatively recently. She came to us from the tropics of South and Central America. In nature, she is an epiphyte - she uses trees as a support. In apartments, Gusmania is grown as a potted ground crop. An interesting feature is long flowering. It lasts up to several months. After that, the mother plant gradually dies off, leaving the children to replace it.

Plant height - no more than 80 cm with a flower. Diameter - about 25 cm. From long leaves a funnel-shaped socket is formed. An unusual inflorescence is formed in the center. Bracts are painted in red, pink, burgundy. High decorativeness is achieved by the contrast of bracts with green leaves.

Interesting fact! Gusmania belongs to the bromeliad family and is a close relative of the pineapple.

Gusmania varieties

In total, about 130 varieties of Gusmania are known. Not all of them are adapted to growing in an apartment. The following varieties are considered popular.

Gusmania reed. Shade-tolerant, blooms in winter. Inflorescences short, many-flowered. Reproductive organs are yellow. The rosette is formed from broadly linear numerous leaves.
Gusmania Zana. Colombian variety with wide pointed leaves. The color of the leaves is greenish-yellow with longitudinal red veins. Bracts and flowers are yellow, stem vegetative organs are scarlet.
Gusmania Nicaraguan. In the wild, it is found mainly in Mexico and Central America. The leaves are lingual, pointed, with red strokes.

Important! Gusmania pollen is a strong allergen. An allergic reaction is manifested by itching in the throat and skin rash. Allergy sufferers are advised to refrain from growing Gusmania in an apartment.

Features of care

Gusmania care is simple, but has several features. To preserve the decorativeness of the plant, the following conditions are created for it.

Temperature. It grows well at room temperature 18-25 °C. Throughout the year, they maintain a stable temperature, without lowering it for the winter.
Lighting. A pot with a plant is placed in a bright place, inaccessible to direct sunlight. Grows better in partial shade than in full sun.
Watering. During watering, water is poured directly into the rosette of leaves. During the next watering, the remains old water poured out and topped up with fresh. In the warm season, watering is plentiful, in winter - moderate. Use soft, slightly warm water.
Humidity. Consistently high humidity is the main factor for rapid growth and long flowering. The plant is sprayed daily, the soil is covered with a layer of sphagnum. In summer, at least a small amount of water should always remain in the outlet.
Priming. The optimal soil for Gusmania is loose and light. Store mixes are best not to use. The soil is prepared from equal parts crushed sphagnum, garden soil and peat. The addition of crushed charcoal is recommended.
Top dressing. Carried out in spring and summer every 2 weeks. Use any flower fertilizers in low concentration.
Transfer. If the plant was purchased in a small pot, Gusmania will need to be transplanted into a container. bigger size. The goal of the next transplant is to separate the children. When planting, do not bury the base of the outlet in the soil.

Advice! Gusmania does not have to be planted in an ordinary pot. Experienced flower growers are experimenting by planting a plant in a coconut shell, fancy snags and pieces of bark. So that the roots do not dry out, they are wrapped in sphagnum and often moistened. This method of growing looks very impressive, but requires a responsible approach.

Reproduction methods

Gusmania is propagated in two ways - offspring and seeds. Both methods have their own subtleties.

Growing from seed. The seeds are dipped for several minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, washed and dried. They are sown in a mixture of crushed sphagnum and sand. Instead of sphagnum, you can use peat. Seeds need direct light to germinate, so do not sprinkle anything on top of them. The container is covered with glass or film. The temperature is maintained at 22-24 ° C, the substrate is regularly sprayed, the greenhouse is ventilated. Seedlings appear no earlier than 10 days later. Strengthened seedlings are seated in separate pots with a substrate for adult plants. Gusmania, grown from seeds, blooms in 3-4 years.
Reproduction by offspring. The mother plant dies after flowering. This activates the renewal kidneys. They grow numerous offspring. They should stay next to the mother bush for 2 months. During this time, they will form a root system and release 3-4 leaves. They are carefully separated and planted. Young plants quickly gain green mass under a cap, at a temperature of 26-28 ° C.

Advice! After flowering, the outlet can live up to 2 years. Offspring for further breeding can be separated without waiting for the complete death of the mother bush.

Growing problems and pests

Gusmania is not resistant to diseases and pests; violation of the rules of care can also harm the flower. Most often faced with the following problems.

Anthracnose. Called by a fungus. Spots appear on the leaves in the form of dimples with a brown border. Sometimes the center of the spot turns pink. Gradually, the fungus captures more and more areas, the flower dries and dies. They are treated with antifungal drugs, provide poor watering and heat. Shoots from a diseased plant are not taken.
Spotting. Brown, purple spots appear on the leaves with light dots in the middle. Leaves turn red and dry. The reason is a fungal disease caused by helminthosporia. The main role in its development is given to direct sunlight and abundant watering. Carry out the treatment with fungicides at intervals of 1 week.
Bacterial spotting. One of the most common diseases of Gusmania. Dotted watery brown or yellow spots appear. In the heat, the spots become covered with mucus and quickly spread to healthy areas. For resuscitation, plants remove infected parts. Reduce the amount of watering, the plant is not sprayed. Getting water on the leaves will speed up the spread of the fungus.
Darkening of the leaves at the base. sign of root rot. It develops when water stagnates in the roots. Children are planted, the mother plant is treated with a fungicide.
Salt accumulations. When watering with hard tap water, white spots remain on the leaves. The plant is sprayed with distilled water and gently wiped with a soft cloth.
Yellow spots. They appear in direct sunlight. The plant is rearranged in a shaded place.

Gusmania looks good next to other flowers, fits well into any composition.

Indoor plants create coziness, comfort and make the atmosphere more lively in the house. But it is the flowering representatives of the flora that look especially bright and picturesque. These include guzmaniya. Caring for such a flower at home is relatively simple, but at the same time it requires certain knowledge from the grower.

the birthplace of this tropical flower is America. It belongs to the bromeliad family. Under natural conditions, guzmania grows on open mountain slopes and in forests. In the wild, this plant, being epiphytic, develops on the bark of dying trees.

Guzmania has long green leaves, collected in rosettes, and bright beautiful flowers. They look quite catchy and expressive, they look like cones. Among more than 100 species of this plant, not only wild ones are distinguished, but also many indoor ones.

Its second name is "scarlet star". This is one of the most popular types. The rosette of leaves of the reed guzmania has the shape of a star. Bracts, depending on the cultivar, are red or pink, less often yellow, orange and white. Such flowers grow well in low light and do not tolerate direct sunlight.

The blood red guzmania has long and wide leaves that cascade down. The rosette is wide, which makes the plant seem very lush, the flowers are painted in rich red or Orange color, while in the center and along the edges the shade becomes closer to yellow or green.

Guzmaniya Tsana (Zana)

The leaves of the plant are drooping, painted green, their surface is smooth, glossy. Representatives of some varieties have horizontal stripes and variegation on the foliage. The bracts are red, the flowers are yellow.

When to transplant guzmania

Immediately after the purchase, guzmania must be determined in new pot. In the future, this event is carried out if necessary - as the plant grows, if the old container becomes too tight. It is highly undesirable to transplant during the flowering period, otherwise, due to the stress, the plant may shed its flower stalks and wither. The optimal transplant time is after the death of the peduncle or when the flower releases young shoots.

substrate

The soil for guzmania should not contain ordinary soil. best choice in this case, it will become a special substrate for bromeliads. In extreme cases, it is allowed to use the soil mixture for orchids or ferns. Some flower growers prefer to prepare the soil on their own. To do this, mix sand, sphagnum and peat, and add four parts of sod land to one part of this mixture.

Guzmania grows well in neutral soils, the acidity of which is in the range of 5.5-7.0 pH. And in order for the root system not to suffer from stagnant water, a drainage layer must be laid under the soil mixture.

Pot

You should not choose too large a pot for guzmania, as its root system is relatively small. It is better to stop at a container with a diameter of no more than 12 cm. But it should be remembered that many varieties give a high stem, and therefore the flowerpot can turn over. To avoid such a situation, it is better to place a flower pot in a flowerpot.

How is the transplant done?

Before transplanting guzmania, a pot of suitable size should be prepared. Pebbles are laid out in the first layer to ensure good drainage, then they are filled with a substrate, which is pre-calcined. This measure provides prevention of fungal, infectious diseases and does not allow pests to attack a weakened flower. Next, the plant is taken out of the old flowerpot along with an earthen clod. This condition is mandatory, since the roots of guzmania are very delicate, and if you start to clean them from the soil, they will break. The flower is transplanted, while leaving the neck above the soil surface. The soil is not accepted. In conclusion, it remains only to add the substrate on top and moisten it well. This method is suitable for transplanting both adult plants and young rooted cuttings.

Creating the right lighting

Guzmania flower prefers light partial shade. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, the color intensity begins to decrease, the leaves and bracts wither and droop. Therefore, it is better to place such a plant on windows that face the east or west side. If the window is south, then in this case it is necessary to make a protective visor. And with a constant stay on the north side, the flower may not give flower stalks. In winter, it is advisable to rearrange Guzmania to a more illuminated window sill or organize additional lighting.

Temperature regime

Caring for guzmania at home involves creating an optimal temperature regime. Since this plant is heat-loving, in summer it is quite possible to keep it at room temperature - about +22..+25 ˚С. But at the same time, it is important to ensure that there is good air circulation in the room without drafts. If it becomes too stuffy and dry in the summer, you need to find a cooler place for the flower. AT winter period the requirements for the temperature regime are changing - at this time of the year, guzmania will feel good at a temperature of +15 ... +20 ˚С. However, at the same time, it is highly undesirable to place it near heating appliances, otherwise the leaves will begin to dry out.

Optimal Humidity

Guzmania is moisture-loving and does not tolerate dry air, so it needs regular spraying. For this use clean water(can be filtered or settled), which is poured into a spray bottle. When sprayed, water particles fall on the leaves of the plant and collect in the outlet. However, in the heat, these reserves evaporate quickly, so the procedure in the summer is carried out every other day and the frequency of spraying is reduced with the onset of autumn. At the same time, if the temperature in the room is more than +20 ˚С, it is better not to humidify the air. At low temperatures, the thermometer should not be too zealous with spraying, otherwise the foliage and root will begin to rot.

Competent watering

Sometimes flower growers make a huge mistake by watering guzmania to the very root. It is categorically impossible to do this, since the root system of this plant is very vulnerable and can be severely damaged if it is excessively moistened. Water must be poured directly into the outlet, filling it a little more than half. In spring and summer, guzmania is watered every day, sometimes several times a day as water evaporates from the outlet. At the same time, once a month it should dry completely - thus, a new portion of moisture will be fresh. When the air temperature drops, the socket is moistened rarely and carefully, and when the indicators fall below +10 ˚С, it is completely dried, preventing a “cold burn”.

Fertilization

This representative of the bromeliad family does not require a large amount of fertilizer. Sufficient portion nutrients she receives from the substrate. Top dressing is applied mainly during the flowering period, when the plant spends a lot of energy on the release of peduncles. At this time, the flower is stimulated with liquid fertilizers, which are diluted with water according to the instructions. The finished solution is poured mainly into the outlet into the outlet. From mid-spring to the end of summer, guzmania is fed once a month, in autumn and winter - less often, as a rule, once every three months. If you notice that the leaves begin to lose elasticity, and the color of the peduncles has become less intense, then in this case it is advisable to use potash fertilizers.

Care during the flowering period

Blooming guzmania will require special conditions from you. Firstly, good lighting, secondly, abundant watering, thirdly, regular top dressing and, fourthly, constant air humidification. And in order for the inflorescences to form faster, experienced growers it is recommended to place a slice of fresh apple directly on the substrate in a flower pot and cover everything with a plastic bag. This fruit contains ethylene, which after a while will begin to be released into the air, thereby stimulating the flowering process of the plant. But be careful - there should be no traces of rot on the apple.

Sometimes it is quite difficult to achieve flowering of guzmania. Often this happens when it is kept in the wrong conditions. In addition, inflorescences can only produce adult plants that are at least 3 years old. Therefore, do not worry if your specimen has not bloomed - perhaps it is still too young.

In general, if you clearly know how to care for a guzman in a pot, and strictly adhere to all the rules, then in due time it will surely please you with a beautiful lush bloom.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Reproduction of guzmania is carried out at the end of the flowering period. It is at this time that measures should be taken to help prolong the life of the plant and prevent its death. After the peduncle wilts, the bush begins to die off, but before it dies, it manages to give several lateral processes. They form in the axils of the leaves located at the bottom. The shoots are transplanted into separate flowerpots after they are strong enough and build up a strong root system - after about 3-4 months. Previously, this is not recommended, otherwise a weak plant simply will not take root.

So, after the guzmania has faded, and upper leaves began to dry out, we transfer it to a dark place and remove the peduncle. Thus, the plant will be able to direct its forces to the formation of seeds, which, in turn, will have a positive effect on the growth rate of layering. It is necessary to water the mother bush during this period under the root, otherwise the stem may rot. And when the length of the shoot reaches 12-15 cm, it can be cut off (along with the root!). Next, the cut point must be treated with garden pitch. Young plants are planted in a special substrate for representatives of the bromeliad family. At first, the shoot needs high humidity, so the pot is covered with plastic wrap. After the flower takes root well and grows, it is cared for according to the standard scheme.

Propagation of Guzmania by seeds

Growing guzmania from seeds is quite difficult. This process is laborious, lengthy, and therefore rarely used. Often they acquire an already adult strong flower that is about to bloom. But if you decide to start growing yourself, then for this, in addition to the seeds themselves, you will need a special soil mixture and potassium permanganate. To begin with, we wash the planting material in a weak solution of manganese and dry it thoroughly. We sow the seeds in the substrate (it is not necessary to close them to a depth). Being in the light, the seeds will give friendly shoots. Now you need to build a greenhouse: cover the container with polyethylene and leave it in a warm room at a temperature of at least +20 ... +25 ˚С. Every day, the soil must be moistened with water from a spray bottle and aired plantings. After a few weeks, thin shoots should appear on the surface of the substrate, which after a couple of months can be dived. And after another 5-6 months they are planted in separate pots. At proper care at home, guzmania blooms for 3-4 years.

Pests

Diseases

The guzmania flower rarely gets sick, and problems arise mainly when the rules of agricultural technology are violated. The leaves and stem of the plant can be affected by the fungus, which appears as gray or black spots. To cure the specimen, use a fungicide solution. With excessive watering, rotting of the root system is possible. If the rot has attacked your green pet, then this will lead to the withering of the stem and the loss of bracts. Often, with such a disease, the flower cannot be saved.

The plant does not bloom

If your bromeliad is not blooming, then it needs additional resources. Perhaps she lacks moisture, nutrients, the room is too cold, etc. In this case, it is important to make the necessary adjustments - it is not difficult to ensure proper care of guzmania at home. In addition, as mentioned above, the flower may still be too young to produce bright flower stalks.

Guzmania is stunted

The plant may lag behind in development with a deficiency of nutrients in the substrate. This is where nutrition will help. Also, the growth of guzmania stops somewhat before flowering begins - this is due to the fact that during this period it spends its energy on the formation of peduncles.

Leaves turn yellow and dry

Guzmania is a special plant

With proper care, guzmania and at home will surely please you with bright flowering. But it is famous not only for its beauty - several curious facts are connected with this flower. According to the signs, he brings harmony, peace, and peace to the house, charges with positive energy. Often this plant is placed in the bedroom. Do you know why? It is believed that it activates male power. And if there are several guzmanias in the house, then such a flower garden will raise the mood of the residents every day, improve their well-being, provide material stability and improve family well-being.