Hi everyone.

Bob - Everyone has different methods of growing their plants, and these methods are based on the type of plant and the climate in the area where they wish to grow it.

I live on the south east coast of Australia and can only tell you how I grow my Guzmanias, but be warned, my methods may not suit where you live which could be on the other side of the world.

The best advice you can get is from other growers in your own area or even better still, look up a local bromeliad society in your area if there is one and attend one of their meetings as a visitor.

Basically, no matter where you live there are some things that don't change with the culture of these plants. Firstly they like less light than other brom's such as Aechmeas, Neoregelias and billbergias; and the light available from beneath a tree is a reasonable guide. Definitely no direct sun.

Potting mixes suitable for orchids will usually suit them, however mixes can also be made from many different ingredients and it's often been said there are as many different mixes as there are growers. Whatever the mix is made from, it must be free draining so that the roots don't stay wet and become water-logged, and the big "No No", is to never stand the plant in a saucer of water as you will surely kill it.

Be guided by how these plants grow in habitat. They often grow attached to trees so this means that when the roots get wet they dry very quickly due to the abundant air circulation, hence the needs for a free draining potting mix.

In nature, these plants get their water from overhead in the form of rain and dew so it goes in the central cup as well around the roots, that's why I water mine overhead and in the mix as well.

In nature the centre vase accumulates bird, frog and small animal droppings as well as leaf litter which mixes with the water and breaks down to make a continuous supply of natural dilute liquid fertiliser. In cultivation this doesn't necessarily occur but if you feed them with artificial fertilisers, it's good to give the centre a good wash out occasionally to flush out any build-up of salts from inorganic fertilisers which may accumulate.

That's just the basics Bob and I again emphasise that's how I do it here in Australia, but you would be better off getting advice from someone who lives in your area with similar growing conditions to you.

You will also find a little more info at the following links:

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/soil-use-guzmania-65214.html

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-guzmania-bromeliads.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzDorsgDI8M

I hope this helps.

All the best, Nev.

Thanks! I'm in an apartment with low level natural lighting (I've already got some tillandsia that don't like too much light, and they're doing well) so I'm good there. It sounds like I should repot the plant in orchid bark from the soil that it came in so it can free drain though.

Bob your plant is fine in the soil its in. Water when dry and no direct sunlight, just bright light. Guz are well suited to indoor growing since then dont like real cold or hot temps to look their best. When the flower declines cut it off and pups will form. Repot them when the are half the size of the mom and feed them once roots have formed. They to will bloom in about a year.