How to grow a potted Guzmania (torch bromeliad)?
Guzmania is also called mii tou, cone-shaped Guzmania, and torch bromeliad. In our country it is commonly grown in greenhouses because it has strict requirements for temperature and light. Nowadays, potted Guzmania is also very popular because its symbolic meaning is very good, and growing it at home can bring good luck. Below let us take a look at how to grow potted Guzmania? What are the key points of the methods to promote its flowering?
1. How to grow potted Guzmania?
1. Light conditions
If you want potted Guzmania to bloom on schedule and its leaves to be emerald green, light plays a very important role. In winter, generally 4 to 5 hours of light should also be maintained. When there is no sun, fluorescent lamps can also be used instead of sunlight. In summer, placing it in a spot with diffused light is enough. Never place it outdoors in strong sun, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and wither.
2. Temperature conditions
Potted Guzmania generally grows better in an environment of 15°C-22°C. If the winter temperature is too low, it is not good for its growth, and frost damage will occur, followed by yellowing leaves and wilting of the whole plant, so generally it should not be lower than 10°C. It is recommended to keep it indoors.
3. Soil conditions
Potted Guzmania is best grown in soil that is fertile, loose, and rich in humus. So when mixing the potting soil, be sure to pay attention to the proportions. If you want to decorate your home, you can also buy a pot you like according to personal preference. Ceramic pots, clay pots, and the like are all quite suitable.
4. Fertilization method
The flowering period of potted Guzmania is generally in winter, so there must be sufficient nutrients, and therefore appropriate topdressing is needed. Generally, topdress 2-3 times a month, depending specifically on the growth condition of the potted Guzmania. Rice washing water from your own home or fermented soybean water is also quite suitable.
5. Watering method
Potted Guzmania is a flower that likes to grow in a humid environment, so the potting soil should be kept moist at ordinary times. However, do not water too much at one time, as this can easily cause waterlogging and root rot, and then the loss will outweigh the gain. So the watering method is to water when dry and stop when wet. Usually you can also spray water to water the flowers. This can not only remove dust from the leaves, but also increase the air humidity.
2. Methods to promote flowering of potted Guzmania
Many beginners at growing flowers ask when growing potted Guzmania whether there is any way to solve the problem of their Guzmania not blooming.
First, stop fertilizing. If the Guzmania is growing well and the whole plant is relatively robust, fertilization can be stopped, so that the leaves will not grow excessively and cause failure to bloom.
Second, when forcing potted Guzmania to bloom, the temperature must be controlled well. Generally 15 to 18°C is enough. Be sure not to let the temperature be too high. After one month, water and fertilizer can be gradually increased, which will speed up flowering.