Question
The greenhouse near where we live throws out 15-30 Guzmania plants per week,and I've been trying to rescue them. I've read many articles on their care and have done quite well with most. I removed some pups from the already bloomed mothers and potted them, but they don't seem to be doing great. Can you offer a more detailed answer to the best and most successful way to harvest and grow these little plants? And are some varieties more hearty than others? Why , also is propagation prohibited for the "rana" variety?

Thanks for your time

Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,

I am assuming the nursery is discarding the Guzmanias only because they have finished flowering, not because they are diseased, have pest problems or are otherwise unhealthy.

When you remove the pups from the main plant, take a small slice of stem and roots from the mother plant along with it. Pot the pups in small pots (2-4 inches) filled with a porous potting mix with extra perlite added. Provide lots of warmth, very bright indirect sunlight and keep the potting mix moderately damp. Not much growth will occur until the pups fill the pot with roots. That is why it is best to start them in small pots and move them up later.

All Bromeliad species are equally hardy in this regard, as far as I know.

'Rana' is a Guzmania hybrid that has been patented by the hybridizer. The reason for the patent is to prevent other commercial nurseries from "stealing" their product. I am sure the patent owner is not concerned with hobbyists like yourself who is propagating them for non-commercial purposes.

I have written an article on Bromeliad care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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