Are you looking for a houseplant that can elevate the aesthetics of your house? Scarlet star bromeliads are the best choice for the growing season if you learn how to propagate and maintain them correctly.
Family And Origin
Table of Contents
The scarlet star plant or mostly known as droophead tufted, is a family member of Bromeliads and comes under the genus of Guzmania, hence scientifically known as Guzmania lingulata.
This Guzmania Lingulata blooms in summer but has foliage that is evergreen. This is the most popular Bromeliad among all due to its striking appearance. Thus many people grow this tropical plant indoors all across the world.
In the US, one can grow this outside as well if they live in USDA zones ranging from ten to twelve. It provides exceptional value and flair for indoor plant enthusiasts in their homes.
Scarlet Star Plant: Appearance
The species possesses broad cord fronds that are shiny green in appearance. From around the middle floral spike, a cluster of leaves forms.
Depending on the type, the cylindrical flowers might be pink, tangerine, red, or white (sometimes). In climates without frost, the Scarlet Star plants can grow well indoors and in pots.
The scarlet star bromeliads are very appealing and can be an excellent choice for houseplants. Once the plant blooms, it can be the host plant that attracts attention from each corner of the house.
The care of scarlet star bromeliad plants becomes easy given the proper care tips like potting soil, direct sunlight, and high humidity. Here, learn all the factors that affect the growth and harvest of a scarlet star bromeliad and much more.
Scarlet star bromeliads Plant Care
Throughout the world, landscapes and households are home to this lovely blooming evergreen Bromeliad.
It is renowned because of its showy flowers, which take a bit of time to blossom but are bright. Scarlet star plants require little maintenance and will flourish if given the right amount of light, water, and even humidity.
Watering an Orange Star
Since the scarlet star or orange star is a tropical feel plant, it is evident that it will require plenty of water to stay hydrated. Yet too much water can lead to waterlogging, and the plant dies due to root rot, ensuring the water does not reach the leaves.
This, in turn, is depicted by brown spots on the shiny green leaves of the scarlet star bromeliad. These plants are native to central and south America, yet one needs to maintain a watering schedule to prevent root rot.
How To Water Scarlet star bromeliad?
Like a flower cup, the leaves also form a cup when watered. The orange star plant responds best to hydration when the soil is moist, followed by a dry period before more watering.
Humidity
This plant is indigenous to tropical settings like rainforests. As a result, they need a specific humidity level to thrive. 50% to 70% are regarded as ideal.
If the relative humidity in the surrounding environment is insufficient, you can spritz the leaves to raise them.
High humidity levels seem to be very advantageous throughout flowering, while low humidity might result in plant death.
Scarlet star bromeliad: Temperature
Tropical plants like the Scarlet Star grow there. It enjoys warm weather, with daytime temperatures between 60 to 95 °F with nighttime lows of no below 70 degrees. Any temperature under 41 F would be fatal to the rooted Guzmania lingulata.
Scarlet star bromeliad: Light and Environment
Even though it can handle some low degrees of light, the scarlet star plant is a daylight plant. Mostly in summer, shade it against the sun’s intense rays to prevent the foliage from becoming spotty and bleached.
Scarlet Star thrives in bright fluorescent light or close to windows that receive early in the morning and filtered sunlight.
How to Fertilize Scarlet star bromeliads?
During the growth period, fertilize it monthly with only a mid-balance fertilizer or perhaps an orchid potting mix (especially in spring and summer). This plant would receive the necessary nutrients to prosper and grow as a result.
It is best to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to get good drainage and growth.
Extending the Scarlet Star
Guzmania lingulata could be multiplied through cuttings or seeds. This suggested approach involves utilizing the aberrations or cuttings, like many other bromeliads. It is growing more quickly and stands a better likelihood of succeeding.
Take an offshoot from your mother plant, and clip that off.
Then plant it back into potting soil.
To boost moisture and maintain the pot heat, wrap it with cellophane. In approximately a month, seedlings ought to begin to appear.
How To Repot A Scarlet Star?
When planting, add a layer of pebbles or rocks toward the pot’s bottom. By doing this, you can improve permeability and prevent soil erosion. One can use orchid potting soil as well.
These plants want to absorb nutrients from both the ground as well as the air due to their being epiphytes (species that originate from trees).
So to ensure that its water washes away while also allowing air towards the base, use a porous potting soil. Unless you’re certain about how to create the potting mix properly, use a typical orchid mix instead.
How To Choose the Correct Pot For Repotting?
Pick the right-sized pot during repotting. This pot must have drain slots in the bottom and be situated on the shorter side. The diminutive stature encourages blossoming in adult age.
Common Pest Problems With Scarlet Star bromeliads
Leaf spots
A typical fungus condition is called leaf spot, also referred to as Mycosphaerella fragariae. The leaf spots show themselves as violet or grey patches with a white center on the plant.
Root Rot
Once the growing media holds excess water than necessary for the plant’s optimal growth, this leads to root rot among scarlet stars.
Flowers gradually wilt, become brown, then die. Remove the plant from the container and look for decay in the root system.
It is preferable to eliminate the entire shrub if that stinks unpleasant and displays any sores. Whereas if an invasion is contained to a small region, remove the affected region and spray antifungal here on plant leaves and soil.
Conclusion
These red star plants are extremely easy to maintain, so your scarlet star will flourish even if you are a novice gardener with the right tips and techniques. Be sure to provide bright light and maintain high humidity, an optimal temperature that the plant requires so that it thrives.
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