Scarlet Star Vase Plant

Guzmania lingulata, the scarlet star or vase plant, is a tropical bromeliad grown for its upright rosette and long-lasting central display. The foliage forms a cup around a flower spike with showy red or orange bracts and small white flowers. ## Form and Flower This epiphytic perennial is usually about 1–2 feet tall and wide. Its central display can remain colorful for two to four months; after flowering, the original rosette gradually declines while producing offsets. The [North Carolina Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/guzmania-lingulata/common-name/scarlet-star/) describes the rosette, bracts, flowers, and offsets. ## Placement and Care Use it as a warm-climate accent or indoor container plant. Give it bright filtered light or partial to full shade, warmth, humidity, and a loose bromeliad or orchid mix with good drainage. Keep the roots aerated and water sparingly at the potting medium; water held in the leaf cup should be refreshed rather than allowing the medium to stay saturated. The [Missouri Botanical Garden profile](https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?isprofile=0&st=2&taxonid=278139) also emphasizes indirect light, warmth, and avoiding constantly wet roots. ## Maintenance Remove spent flower stalks and let offsets grow until they are large enough to establish separately. Watch for scale, spider mites, and mealybugs, which North Carolina Extension lists as potential problems.