Yellow Star Bromeliad

Yellow Star Bromeliad (Guzmania lingulata 'Yellow Star') is a Central American bromeliad that grows into a tidy rosette of broad, strappy green leaves, about 30cm tall and 50cm wide. As it matures the heart of the plant turns a sharp, zesty yellow that can hold for around four months. It brightens a shaded corner, a pot or a well lit room with very little effort.

Why you'll love it

• A yellow that lights up shade. A bright, acid yellow reads clearly in a dim corner, where most flowering plants fade into the background.
• Low effort. It is an easy care plant that wants warmth, shade and a full central cup.
• Long lasting. The yellow centre of a mature plant holds for around four months.
• Garden or pot. Use it under trees, in pots or indoors, outdoors or in, wherever there is bright, filtered light.
• Self-replacing. Pups develop around the base and take over as the original plant fades.

Where it works best

Shaded subtropical borders. Underplant trees and shrubs, spacing plants 50cm apart so the rosettes touch. In the wild this species grows on branches, so it is also happy tucked into the fork of a tree.

Pots and balconies. Plant it in a free-draining mix with the crown above the soil. One plant suits a small pot, and a group of three fills a large one.

Indoors. A bright room with filtered light suits it. Keep it away from harsh afternoon sun through glass.

Growing Yellow Star Bromeliad in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or filtered light, away from harsh sun. Shade often deepens the colour. Bromeliads love warm, humid conditions, so outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens. In cooler places keep it indoors or under cover, because frost is fatal.

Soil. Free-draining soil or potting mix. Take care to keep the crown above the soil.

Water and feed. Fill the central cup with water, and flush it with fresh water weekly so it stays clean and mosquitoes cannot breed in it. Feed in spring with an organic liquid fertiliser at half the label rate.

Pruning. No pruning. Once the plant flowers it gradually dies back as pups form, so cut away the faded rosette when the pups are established.

What to expect when it arrives

Yellow Star Bromeliad is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plants in tubes are green, and the yellow comes as they grow and mature, so expect to wait for the colour.

Our tube stock is not always available. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none right now, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our bromeliads
• Bromeliad varieties: a guide to the main types
• Plants that thrive in pots
• Plants for partial shade

Common questions

When does the yellow appear?

Not in the tube. Tube plants are green, and the yellow develops as the plant matures. After that it holds for around four months.

How do I water a bromeliad?

Fill the cup in the middle of the rosette. Flush it weekly with fresh water to keep it clean and stop mosquitoes breeding.

What happens after it flowers?

The original plant gradually dies back, but pups grow at its base to take its place. Cut away the old rosette when the pups are established.