Scarlet-star (Guzmania lingulata) is a flowering plant also commonly known as the droophead tufted airplant. Scarlet-star is commonly cultivated as an ornamental houseplant. It is native to rainforest environments in South America and Central America.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Guzmania lingulata, the droophead tufted airplant or scarlet star, is a species of flowering plant in the family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Tillandsioideae. This evergreen epiphytic perennial is native to rainforest habitats in Central America, northern and central South America and southern Mexico. The Latin word lingulata means “tongue-shaped”.Â
The foliage grows in a star-shaped basal rosette culminating in an orange and red bracted inflorescence. It is among the most commonly cultivated bromeliad types, with cultivars producing flowers in shades of maroon, red, orange, yellow or pink.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Scarlet-star responds well to indirect bright light. The exposure to the direct sunlight may wither plant growth and burn its leaves while it can survive continuous dark periods for 2-3 weeks whereas continuous long exposure to dark also affects its growth and that’s the reason it grow successfully in its natural epiphytic behavior on the stems of the developed trees and inside foliage where it don’t get direct sunlight. It’s best to place it near a window without direct sunlight, such as 30 cm from the window.
Temperature
High humidity and temperature ranging between 13 to 38 ℃ are considered optimal for its best growth. Being a tropical plant, keep your scarlet-star under high humidity and temperatures ranging between 13 to 38 ℃. Any significant increase or decrease may stop its growth while the optimum temperature ranges between 16 to 27 ℃ for its best growth. Keep growing environment humid especially during the winters when the temperatures are getting down from the desired level because both low humidity and low temperatures are the limiting factors for its growth.
Since scarlet-star doesn’t benefit from the rainwater directly as it survives on the stem of large trees and shrubs and is never rooted on the surface of the soil for the water uptake but lives on the water that runs off from the surface of the plants, it can be assumed that scarlet-star can grow successfully indoor with a need of 7 to 10 mm weekly.
Watering
Water uptake in scarlet-star takes place through its central urn that can absorb water according to the plants’ requirements. The plant urn can be filled to 1/4th that needs to be replaced with the clean water every 3-4 weeks in the summer and 7-8 weeks in the winter. The size of the urn and capacity of the plant to absorb moisture from it would decide the frequency of watering your scarlet-star.
Generally, it is assumed that a medium plant would need 1 to 1.5 mm of water on a daily basis but it is not advisable to overwater your plants to reduce the chances of root rot. Let the plant urn remain dry for 1 week before you fill it to the desired level again. plants foliage can also be sprayed using a mist sprayer due to their tendency to absorb water from the surface of the leaves. Overwatering may lead to root rot and leaf spot diseases.
Soil
Scarlet-star prefers the type of soil textures that readily dries out. Any permeable soil mix with good drainage that doesn’t become damp dries out swiftly and permit oxygen to reach root zone promptly would be fine. Retain water container in the center of the plant, during the warm, humid conditions. Scarlet-star is an epiphyte that can grow well in soilless organic media that dries out more quickly than the soil. Work on the potting mix as a soggy medium may be prone to root rot and leaf spots on the foliage of indoor plants. Keep growing medium well-drained and replacing during every season.
The best pH for growing scarlet-star is slightly acidic in the range of 6.0-6.5 whereas they can grow well in a neutral pH as well (6.6-7.0). The pH of coco coir is almost neutral while peat moss stands around 8 to 10 cm pH so the combination listed below would be a growing media for scarlet-star. For the potted plants, coco coir and orchid bark is a good combination in 50:50 ratio whereas a combination of coarse perlite, sphagnum moss, and fir bark will also drain quickly. For outdoors, add perlite and sand to the garden soil if it appears heavy.
Fertilizing
Scarlet-star needs very little fertilizers during the period of its growth. A balanced water-soluble fertilizer will do the job of providing essential nutrients to the plants growing indoor using a mist sprayer onto the plant foliage. Preferably use NPK (20:20:20) 8-10 gram in 1 gallon of water twice in the spring and summer whereas a slow-release organic fertilizer in the fall. Adding fertilizers to the plant container is not recommended because its roots are little absorbent and applied fertilizer accumulates salt sedimentation into the container that may harm plants.
Planting Instructions
Readily planted scarlet-star can be brought in from the nearby nursery. Buy those plants that possess unbendable, uniform green leaves. Drooping leaves with brownish spots on the leaves margin may be troublesome in your garden. Always bring in young sprouts if you are buying it from the nursery or a nearby store. Old stuff may bloom and flower any time as nursery handlers are not keeping to remember the age of the plants and environment; it is not conducive for the general growth. Some 20 to 23 cm pot will be a good choice for the entire lifespan of scarlet-star, growing indoors.
Normally it takes 3-4 years to reach the pup to mature fully. It contains a shallow root system that anchors the plant while foliage grows out more rapidly during the hot, humid summers. Upon flowering, the mother plant dies leaving the pups in the base of the plant. Flower and foliage may be cut using a sharp knife whereas the pups will develop into a new plant gradually. Pups can be replanted in the individual containers with fresh potting mixtures to avoid root rot.
Pruning
Scarlet-star doesn’t need pruning until it blooms once in a lifetime. Tips of the leaves will eventually turn brown once insignificant white flowers have appeared and that’s the end of your old stalk. Leaves and flowers can be cut down to the pups using pruning shears that will emerge as a new plant next spring. Pruning shears or knife must have sharp edges while rubbing alcohol will disinfect your cutters from the fungi or bacteria to transfer onto the new stuff.
Transplanting
The perfect time to transplant scarlet-star is during mid to late spring, as this provides optimal growing conditions. Ensure your chosen location offers filtered sunlight and well-draining soil. When transplanting, remember to handle the delicate root system with care. Enjoy your thriving scarlet-star!
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests and Diseases
Leaf Spots
Spots that look like bleaching could indicate too much sun. But a scarlet star in mild lighting exhibiting small, discolored circles on the leaves, ranging from yellow to brown, or even black, can signal fungal infections or bacterial issues. If you don’t nip it in the bud, these spots can lead to bigger problems, like leaf loss and plant death.
So, to figure out what’s causing the leaf spots, take a closer look for any signs of mold or mildew growth. If you see any, you’re most likely dealing with a fungal infection. On the other hand, if the spots come with a foul smell or blackening leaves, then it could be a bacterial problem.
Start by removing all affected leaves using sterilized scissors or a sharp knife. After that, apply a fungicide or bactericide according to the product’s instructions, making sure to follow the label directions and precautions.
To prevent leaf spots in the future, just remember to follow our Guzmania care guidelines. Keep things like air circulation, humidity levels, and watering in check. And, of course, always be on the lookout for any signs of leaf spots so you can take action as soon as you spot them.
Scale
Scale insects feed on the plant’s sap, which can lead to weakened plants, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. These insects are small, round, and flat, and their color ranges from brown to white or even pink.
To identify scale, look for small, shield-like insects on the leaves and stems. You might also notice a sticky residue, called honeydew, that can cause sooty mold to grow.
So, how do you get rid of these pesky scale insects?
First, remove any heavily infested leaves or stems. Then, use a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe the remaining insects off your plant. It may be tedious work, but the effort is well worth it to save your plant. For severe infestations, consider using an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil — just make sure to follow the product’s instructions.
Common Problem
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding brown spots or noticing that your beautiful scarlet star bromeliad, sometimes referred to as orange star or Caraguata lingulata, just isn’t blooming.
Brown Leaf Tips
If the tips of your Guzmania lingulata’s leaves turn brown, odds are it’s a humidity issue.
The good news is, it’s super easy to fix! Just place a tray of water or a humidifier nearby to create the perfect spa-like atmosphere your scarlet star bromeliad loves. With a little tender loving care, those brown tips will be history!
Not Blooming
A lack of bloom could simply mean that your Guzmania lingulata is young, but it could also indicate a lack of proper lighting or nutrients, or that your scarlet star is unhappy with its environment. To find the root of the problem (pun intended), ensure that your plant has enough bright light year-round, the right level of moisture, and the ideal temperature.
If your plant’s conditions are ideal and it’s still not blooming, treat your plant to a balanced water-soluble fertilizer specifically designed for bromeliads. Be sure to follow the instructions and recommended frequency.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
Scarlet-star (Guzmania lingulata) is an attractive bromeliad that can be grown outdoors in warmer climates or as a houseplant in cooler conditions. The plant’s blade-like evergreen leaves offer year-round interest and are centered by a striking deep red flower, which only appears once in the plant’s lifetime but lasts for several months. Grow scarlet-star with other plants that enjoy the same conditions, such as cycads, begonias, and dracaenas.
