Bromelia Guzmania 'Mini Fairy'

Scientific Name
Bromelia Guzmania (Bromelius' plant, Guzman's variety) 'Mini Fairy'

Common Name
Yellow Bromeliad, Mini Fairy Bromeliad, Yellow Fairy Plant

Origin
Native to Southern Mexico, Central America, Northwest South America and Brazil

Description
These tiny plants look like they might belong in Fairyland! The bright yellow flower in the centre of lush green blades of foliage is stunning and really stands out. Bromeliads like a bright, warm and humid spot, so avoid radiators- and avoid direct sun too, as this can fade the foliage so it looks washed-out. Keep its well topped up, and look after it once it finishes flowering, and you should even get some pups to propagate from the original plant! This plant will reward your care with bright foliage; and the flower should last for several months yet!

Light
Can stand lower light conditions but will thrive best in bright, indirect light. Too much light will give it a washed out appearance, so watch out for that!

Water
Let the top third of the soil dry out between waters, and reduce this further in autumn and winter. Keep the 'crown' topped up, though; in Bromeliads like this one, the middle of the foliage has a well which should always have water in.

Humidity
This plant needs high humidity; it should be happy as long as the central well in the crown of the plant is kept topped up; otherwise it will need a humidity tray.

Soil
Use a well-draining mix; one with added bark, like an anthurium or orchid mix, should work well!

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Use a 'houseplant'- labelled fertiliser for best results.

Temperature
Ideal temperature is about 15-30°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
It might seem strange to wate into the foliage, but this plant needs to keep its crown watered! If you look carefully, you'll see there is a kind of well in the centre of the plant which it can keep water securely in. This is actually key for the plant in the wild, where it uses this to help it drink in times of drought. It is also helpful when keeping it as a houseplant to keep the humidity high enough for the plant.

Bromeliads should last a few years after blooming before dying off; to look after them post-flowering make sure to under-water them and keep the well in the centre dry, which will help them hibernate. As long as they are happy, they will produce 1-3 pups (basal offshoots) which you can propagate on when they are over half the height of the parent plant; the parent plant may die off but the pups should grow and have their own blooming cycle!