Guzmania lingulata

Scarlet Star, Orange Star, Vase Plant, Droophead Tufted Airplant

Easy careEpiphyteNon-toxic25–40 cm

An epiphytic bromeliad — a plant that grows on other surfaces rather than in soil — native to Central and South American rainforests. It forms a funnel-shaped rosette of glossy, strap-like leaves with scarlet bracts at the centre that last for several months. Water goes into its central cup rather than the roots. It does best in warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Scarlet Star image

Photo by Cliff·CC BY 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, bright indirect light, with 14–30 °C, and reaches 40 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
14°C – 30°C

Soil

Orchid mix(preferred)Well drainingPeat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Let the pups — small offsets that grow around the base — reach at least one-third the size of the mother plant before separating. Use a clean, sterile cut between mother and pup. Pot in barely moist bromeliad or orchid mix and keep humidity high while the new plant establishes. Roots do not need to be present before separation.

Native range

Native to Northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Western South America, and Brazil.

Appearance

Growth habit

RosetteClumping

Leaf shape

Strap

Leaf texture

GlossySmooth

Frequently asked

Can Scarlet Star grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Scarlet Star prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates bright-indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Scarlet Star need drainage?

Scarlet Star prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Scarlet Star need?

Scarlet Star does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Scarlet Star pet-safe?

Scarlet Star is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Scarlet Star grow?

Scarlet Star typically reaches 25–40 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Scarlet Star?

Scarlet Star can be propagated by offsets.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Guzmania lingulata

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:115161-2
  2. 2

    NC State Extension — Guzmania lingulata

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/guzmania-lingulata/
  3. 3
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  7. 7
  8. 8

    epicgardening.com — Guzmania care guide

    https://www.epicgardening.com/guzmania/
  9. 9

    garden.eco — Guzmania propagation guide

    https://www.garden.eco/guzmania-propagation