Guzmania zahnii, an explosion of color

Guzmania zahnii like to keep their potting soil moist, but not soggy. Water the substrate when it has dried on the surface, for about two centimetres. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater at room temperature.

In nature, the plant retains water in the heart of its rosette. In summer, you can pour one or two centimetres of fresh water (rainwater or demineralized water) into its reservoir. Keep the water clean at all times. Drain it every two weeks before refilling the tank.

Don't forget to remove stagnant water from the planter. It causes the roots to rot.

Mist the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. This will temporarily increase humidity and prevent pest attacks.

To promote the growth of your Guzmania zahnii, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Add a flowering plant fertilizer to the watering water once a month.

Complete with a foliar fertilizer for bromeliads to be sprayed on the foliage.

Fertilizer stimulates plant growth. But an overdose can damage their leaves. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before fertilizing your Guzmania zahnii.

When flowering is over, cut off wilted bracts with a clean, sharp tool. This stimulates the production of new shoots.

Wait until the end of flowering to propagate your Guzmania zahnii.

Guzmania zahnii flowers only once. The plant dies after flowering. But before it does, it produces shoots. You can repot them to obtain new specimens to grow.

Wait until the offshoots are at least a third of the size of the mother plant. Then detach them by hand or with a sharp knife that you've disinfected beforehand. Your cutting must have its own roots, otherwise it won't be able to grow and cling to its support.

Obtain a pot with a hole five centimetres in diameter. Fill it with potting soil for orchids or bromeliads. Plant your Guzmania zahnii in the center. Press down and water.