Guzmania is a flowering houseplant from the Bromeliad family. Caring for him is required uncomplicated. The flowering period occurs only once, after which the plant dies off, but manages to leave behind children. These new shoots must be removed from the mother plant and transplanted into a new container with fresh soil mixture before it can dry out. The flowering of Guzmania babies will begin no earlier than in 2-3 years.
When is the best time to transplant?
Any time of the year is suitable for transplanting children, but spring is considered the most favorable period. Young shoots should have their own independent roots, which will be the key to successful rooting. Therefore, for planting, it is recommended to use only daughter sockets with a length of at least 10 cm.
Selection of a flower pot
Not every flower container is suitable for guzmania due to the close location of its root system to the soil surface. If the pot is very deep, then the bottom half (50% of the soil) will not be occupied by roots, and the soil will soon begin to sour. If you reduce the frequency and volume of watering, the soil surface will dry out, and the flower will not survive it. When planting a plant in a small pot, there is a chance of instability. In this case, it is necessary to make the container heavier with a special drainage layer or another container in which a pot with a houseplant can be placed. The second flower container can be both a water tray and a decorative decoration at the same time.
Soil selection and preparation
For young plants with a fragile root system, it is recommended to choose a light, loose soil with good water permeability and with an acidity level in the range of 5.5-7.0. It is possible to purchase a substrate intended for palms, orchids or bromeliads, but it is advisable to add a small amount of spruce needles and powdered charcoal to it.
The composition of a self-prepared substrate should include the following components:
- Option 1 - river sand and crushed pine bark (one part at a time), turfy soil and humus (two parts each), leafy earth (3 parts), peat (4 parts);
- Option 2 - river sand and sphagnum moss (one part each), leafy earth and crushed coniferous bark (two parts each).
Transplant rules
Approximately 30% of the flower container is immediately filled with drainage material, then a three or four centimeter layer of soil is poured, building a low mound in the middle. On this elevation, it is necessary to place the roots of a young plant, which was carefully separated from an adult flower, and gently spread them. Add the potting soil in small portions and shake the pot slightly to thicken it a little. It is not recommended to compact the soil with your hands, as you can damage the fragile root part. The root collar should be at ground level.
Guzmania kids care
Watering
Irrigation water during the first watering should contain "Kornevin". The first water procedure is carried out immediately after the children are planted in a separate container.
In order for the roots to have time to breathe between the moisture of the substrate, it is recommended to water the plant only after the top layer of the soil has dried.
Air humidity level
Indoor plant is very demanding on the level of humidity in the room. It must be constantly increased. There are two ways to maintain this moisture. The first is to regularly sprinkle young outlets with boiled water at room temperature. The second is the use of a wet expanded clay pallet. It is necessary to place a container with a plant in this pallet and make sure that the expanded clay always remains moistened.
It will take several months for the children of the Guzmania to take root well and adapt to a new place. With good care, the plant will bloom in two or three years.
