The red bracts of the Guzmania, which are mistaken for petals, are the whole adornment of this tropical plant. As the bromeliad fades in color and eventually turns brown, so does the beauty of this bromeliad. The longed-for new blossom will never come. What now?

The "real" flower lies inconspicuously in the center of the colorful bracts

Colorful bracts

Brown is not a color that suits the Guzmania. The tropical plant usually prefers a strong red, rarely also pink, pink, yellow or orange. This is how brightly she colors her rosette-shaped bracts, which the viewer sees as a flower. The flowers themselves are inconspicuous and have no decorative value.

When the true flowers or bracts turn brown, their time is coming to an end. They will dry up soon. As unfortunate as it is, this is part of the natural process of this plant's life.

Remove brown bracts

When the Guzmania fades and the color of the bracts fades, it is not a pretty sight compared to the former splendor. But the leaves that have turned brown are only removed when they are completely dry. The detachment from the plant must be done carefully so as not to damage vital parts of the plant.

No second bloom

After removing a faded flower, you hopefully wait for a new flower to sprout. But the Guzmania behaves differently in this regard than we know from many plants. It will not bloom again. Nor will it blossom at any later date.

tips

If you try to propagate this houseplant from your own seeds, you will not succeed. The plants offered in this country are mostly hybrids. But there are seeds of "real" Guzmania to buy in the trade.

The plant dies

With the fading, the Guzmania heralds its own end. It will take some time before it dries up completely, but the end is already sealed in its genes.

Be sure to continue maintenance

Even if the faded Guzmania will never bloom again, it should continue to receive full care. Above all, do not stop watering the guzmania. She will soon drive offshoots and thus ensure her own reproduction.

Kindel for new flowers

As soon as the children have reached half the height of the mother plant, they should be separated from her and planted. After about two years, the new plants will bloom.

  • plant in special bromeliad soil
  • temporarily cover with foil (air it occasionally)
  • Keep warm at 25 °C, without direct sun
  • keep slightly moist and fertilize
  • after four months care like an adult plant

Category:

Vegetable garden