Guzmania mix: characteristics, care and reproduction

Guzmania is a bright and unusual flower that can grow and develop at home. This plant has many special characteristics that attract many growers (both professionals and beginners).

Today in our material we will consider a description of the plant, as well as study the rules for caring for guzmania and recommendations for its transplant.

First of all, it should be noted that guzmania mix is ​​a plant that was brought to Russia. It is believed that the birthplace of the flower is South America. On this continent, guzmania can grow in natural conditions (most often the flower can be found in tropical forests).

An unusual feature of Guzmania is the fact that the flower behaves ambiguously: it can show signs of both an annual and a perennial plant (that is, it blooms only once in its life, or every year). One way or another, the flowering processes begin only at the 4th year of the plant's life in the spring. It should be noted that flowering is quite long and can last until mid-autumn. In their structure, the flowers are very simple, which is offset by a bright and unusual color, which makes an indelible impression even on sophisticated flower growers. The size of 1 flower is about 5 centimeters.

The plant is quite large in size: so, the leaves of a flower can reach 70 centimeters in length, and the plant itself usually does not exceed 75 centimeters (meaning an adult). The diameter has approximately the same dimensions. However, guzmania reaches such a value only in natural conditions. When grown at home, a flower in size can reach no more than 40 centimeters.

Generally speaking, guzmania includes a huge number of varieties (over 100 pieces). However, only a few of them are suitable for self-breeding at home.

The size of the plant is about 50 centimeters. Leaves are rich green color with perpendicular lines. Blooms in winter - large bright orange inflorescences appear in an amount of up to 25 pieces.

In relation to the rest of the plant varieties, this species is considered to be quite small in size. In the flowering season, guzmania produces a large number of small white flowers.

At the first glance at the plant, the leaves, which have a goblet shape, are especially surprising. Another distinctive feature is the large bloody red flowers (hence the name of the plant).

In addition to the species described, the Donnell-Smith variety with leaves with a scaly structure and the one-spiked guzmania with pyramid-shaped flowers are suitable for independent breeding.

To begin with, it is worth noting that among flower growers it is known that the guzmania mix is ​​a plant that must be looked after quite carefully and carefully. Therefore, it is believed that the flower is quite difficult to grow.On the other hand, subject to all the necessary rules and recommendations, the guzmania mix is ​​quite actively developing and pleases households and guests with its attractive appearance.

To begin with, it should be borne in mind that for irrigation, it is allowed to use only warm water, which must first go through the settling process... The irrigation procedure itself is carried out by pouring water into the sockets. After a short period of time, the filled water must be drained. It is strictly forbidden to leave liquid - this can provoke decay processes, and, as a result, the death of the plant. The flower is moistened only in hot and dry seasons, characterized by low air humidity and high temperatures. The required frequency of watering is once every 2 days.

In addition to watering and moistening the soil, attention should be paid to other conditions for keeping the flower. So, due to the fact that guzmania mix is ​​a tropical plant, it does not tolerate cold well. The optimal temperature regime of the room, which contains guzmania, should not be lower than 25 degrees Celsius.

The humidity indicator deserves no less attention. To maintain it, you can use special humidifiers, spray the leaves of the plant with water, or keep the guzmania in rooms with high humidity (for example, a bathroom, a kitchen).

As for lighting, first of all, it is worth considering that the flower does not tolerate direct rays of the sun, preferring partial shade. That is why it is forbidden to keep the plant on the windowsill - direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves. On the other hand, in winter the plant needs a certain amount of light, so it is advised to use a variety of artificial lighting options.

Guzmania also needs fertilizers. Feeding is especially necessary in the warm season (spring and summer). Such a seasonal need is explained by the fact that during this period the plant blooms, accordingly, spends a large amount of its strength and energy. Botanists advise using ready-made mixtures as top dressing, which can be found and bought at any flower shop. In particular, a fertilizer complex designed for bromeliad-type plants would be an ideal option. Fertilization schedule - once every 2 weeks.

The type of reproduction of Guzmania mix is ​​reproduction by division. This process is carried out at the expense of the shoots that the mature plant forms during the flowering season. With careful and attentive care in the future, it is these shoots that are capable of transforming into new plants capable of further development.

In order to start separating the offshoot from the parent bush, it is necessary to wait until the young shoots reach the minimum allowed length - 15 centimeters.

When you see that the young shoot is fully formed, you can carry out the separation and transplantation procedure. The transplant process includes several simple steps.

• First you need to prepare a container with soil. It is believed that the ideal soil mixture for guzmania is a combination of peat, sod land, coarse sand and sphagnum.
• Place a drainage layer on the bottom of the pot you will be replanting the shoot into, and then add the potting soil above (about half the pot).
• Place a young shoot on top and pour the missing amount of earth into the pot.
• At the end of the procedure, water the plant, and also use a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust and dirt from the surface of the flower.

Thus, we have made sure that, despite the widespread myth that it is impossible to breed guzmania mix at home, this plant can actively grow and develop in indoor conditions... In order to maintain the vital activity of the plant at the proper level, it is necessary to follow all the care recommendations given by experienced florists, as well as botanists. With the application of the necessary amount of effort, time and attention, you can diversify your home greenhouse with an unusual and original tropical flower that will surprise and delight your household and guests.

For the features of development, transplantation, varieties and diseases of guzmania, see the video below.