Guzmania Akabar

Guzmania 'Akabar' captivates with its vivid red bracts and glossy green foliage arranged in an elegant rosette. Its striking appearance adds a touch of originality and colour to contemporary or tropical-inspired decor. This relatively easy to care for variety allows enthusiasts of the genus to enrich their indoor plant collection.

Guzmania 'Akabar' belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. This hybrid cultivar has a rosette habit, forming a compact and symmetrical structure. The leaves, arranged in a funnel shape, typically measure between 30 and 40 cm in length. They are glossy green, smooth, and slightly arched, giving the plant an elegant appearance. The growth of Guzmania 'Akabar' is slow; the plant reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm and a spread of about 25 cm at maturity. The flowering, which usually occurs in summer, is marked by the emergence of a spike of vivid red bracts at the centre of the rosette. These persist for several weeks, offering a lasting splash of colour. Note that Guzmania, like many Bromeliads, dies after flowering. However, it produces offsets before dying, allowing for propagation. Indoors, Guzmania 'Akabar' requires bright light without direct sun, high ambient humidity, and a temperature between 18 and 24°C.

The Guzmania genus includes around 120 species of epiphytic plants, native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. These plants grow naturally on tree bark in humid and shaded environments.

Pair Guzmania Akabar with other bromeliads, such as Guzmania 'Luna', with its bright yellow bracts, or Guzmania 'Tala', in salmon pink tones. Arrange them in a trio on a console or in a large open terrarium for a chic jungle effect.