Scarlet Star Guzmania lingulata
ABOUT
Guzmania lingulata, commonly known as the scarlet star, is a bromeliad with a distinctive appearance. The plant is primarily known for its showy, brilliant red or orange flower bracts that rise above the foliage in a rosette pattern. These bracts are stiff and have a somewhat waxy coating, which can make them look shiny. The true flowers are small, white, and emerge from these bracts. They are less noticeable compared to the colorful bracts. The leaves of the scarlet star are long, narrow, and strap-like, with a smooth and glossy texture. These leaves are typically green and can have some reddish or purplish tinges depending on the amount of light the plant is exposed to. The leaves grow in a rosette form, which means they form a circular pattern around the central stem, creating a cup-like structure that can hold water. This cup is a central feature of the plant and is known for accumulating debris and water, which in the wild would help to support the plant's nutritional needs. The overall shape of the plant is symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing, with a tendency to form clumps when cultivated in groups.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Bromeliaceae
Synonyms
Scarlet Star, Droophead Tufted Airplant, Cardinal Airplant
Common names
Guzmania lingulata var. cardinalis, Guzmania cardinalis, Tillandsia lingulata, Caraguata lingulata, Vriesia lingulata.
ToxicityTo humans
Scarlet star is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It does not contain any known toxic compounds to cause poisoning upon ingestion. Therefore, there should not be any symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences from ingesting any part of the Scarlet star plant.
To pets
Scarlet star is also non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is not associated with any harmful effects if pets happen to ingest parts of the plant. Therefore, no symptoms of poisoning should occur after ingestion of any part of the Scarlet star by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Guzmania lingulata, commonly known as Scarlet Star, features vibrant bracts that add a splash of color to indoor and outdoor settings.
- Low Maintenance: Scarlet Star is known for its ease of care, requiring minimal maintenance and making it suitable for busy or novice gardeners.
- Habitat Enhancer: When planted outdoors in suitable climates, Scarlet Star can contribute to the aesthetic diversity and habitat complexity of a garden ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Period: The Scarlet Star has a lengthy blooming phase, during which it produces colorful bracts that can last several months, providing sustained decorative interest.
- Versatile Display Options: This plant can be displayed in various ways, including in pots, as part of a terrarium, or mounted on trees or bark, providing flexibility in home decor.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Guzmania lingulata, commonly known as the scarlet star, often serves as an inspiration for artists and designers because of its vibrant colors and unique, striking bracts.
- Photography Subject: The scarlet star's vivid and distinct appearance makes it a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of exotic and tropical plants.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers may use the scarlet star in lessons to illustrate plant adaptions such as epiphytism and tank-forming leaves in tropical ecosystems.
- Theme Events: The intense red color of the scarlet star's bracts makes it suitable for themed events and festivals, particularly those celebrating love or flora and fauna.
- Hobby Cultivation: Growing Guzmania lingulata is a popular hobby among bromeliad enthusiasts, who enjoy the challenge and reward of fostering this tropical beauty.
- Culinary Presentation: Professional chefs sometimes use the scarlet star's vibrant bracts as a natural garnish to enhance the presentation of exotic dishes.
- Ecotourism Attraction: The plant can be a point of interest in botanical gardens and eco-tours, attracting visitors interested in tropical flora.
- Seasonal Decor: Around the holidays, people might incorporate the scarlet star into festive floral arrangements and decorations due to its bold red color.
- Fashion Accessories: The unique form and color of the scarlet star can inspire fashion designers to create jewelry, hair accessories, or patterns for clothing.
- Biophilic Design Elements: The scarlet star is utilized in biophilic interior design to create naturalistic and vibrant indoor environments that aim to connect occupants with nature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scarlet Star is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scarlet Star is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: Guzmania lingulata, commonly known as Scarlet Star, represents exotic beauty due to its unique and striking appearance, often associated with tropical regions and lush landscapes.
- Vibrancy: The bright and vivid colors of the Scarlet Star symbolize vibrancy and energy, reflecting a zest for life and an ability to bring excitement into any environment.
- Hospitality: Because it is often grown as a houseplant and due to its inviting appearance, the Scarlet Star has become a symbol of hospitality and welcoming, suggesting warmth and generosity in the home.
- Longevity and Perseverance: Scarlet Star plants are known for their durability and longevity, with the ability to thrive under various conditions, symbolizing perseverance and the strength to endure challenges.
WaterThe Scarlet Star should be watered by filling its central tank, which is the cup at the base of the leaves, whenever the water level begins to decline. Aim to keep water in the cup at all times, changing it with fresh water every few weeks to avoid stagnation and bacterial growth. Over a month, you might find yourself replenishing the central tank roughly every 1-2 weeks, depending on temperature and humidity conditions, but take care not to overfill and rot the center. Additionally, lightly moisten the soil with about 8-16 ounces of water every week or two, ensuring the soil never becomes completely dry.
LightThe Scarlet Star thrives best in bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight, away from direct rays that might scorch its leaves. An east or west-facing window, or a few feet away from a south-facing window with some sheer curtains for diffusion, could provide optimal light conditions for this plant.
TemperatureThe Scarlet Star can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it flourishes in environments between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be protected from temperatures dropping below 50 degrees, as cold drafts can cause harm. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and vibrant leaf coloration.
PruningPruning the Scarlet Star is primarily for aesthetic purposes, to remove any dead or brown leaves to encourage a neater appearance and prevent potential pest problems. After the plant flowers, the bloom will eventually die, and you can cut it off at this stage. The best time to prune is when you're cleaning the plant or when you notice dead foliage, typically on an as-needed basis.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScarlet Star thrives in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite or bark to increase drainage. The ideal soil pH for this epiphytic plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingScarlet Star should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current pot. It's best to repot after the flowering cycle is complete.
Humidity & MistingScarlet Star prefers high humidity levels, typically above 60%, which mimics its natural tropical habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Scarlet Star in indirect light; mist frequently.
Outdoor
Grow in shade, protect from cold, mist regularly.
Hardiness zone
10-12 USDA
Life cycleGuzmania lingulata, commonly known as Scarlet Star, begins its life as a seed, sown in warm, moist, well-draining soil. It sprouts and grows into a rosette of strappy green leaves, absorbing water and nutrients from the air and substrate. As it matures, a flower spike emerges from the center, showcasing a bright red or yellow bract from which tiny flowers bloom. After flowering, which can last several months, the plant enters a slow decline and eventually dies. During its flowering stage, it produces offsets, or pups, around the base of the mother plant, which can be separated and replanted to start new plants. The main plant's lifecycle concludes with the withering of the rosette after seed setting or once the pups have been established.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Guzmania lingulata, commonly known as the Scarlet Star, is through the removal and planting of its pups. These pups are small offsets that grow around the base of the mother plant. Typically, the best time to propagate is late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The process involves waiting until the pup is about one-third the size of the parent plant, and then carefully separating it by cutting it off with a sterile, sharp knife. The pup should have its own roots when removed. After separation, it is placed to root in sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and sand, kept moist but not wet. It is important to provide warmth and moderate light for the young plant to establish properly.
