Guzmania bromeliad
Guzmania lingulata minor (Bromeliaceae)
Cats and dogs
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.
Source: ASPCA entry "Orange Star", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Best
- Bright indirect 10+ mol
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Guzmanias come from shadier habitats than most bromeliads and do well in moderate or lower light, including under artificial lights. Wisconsin notes that bromeliads in general color up best in stronger light.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 6 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Water the roots sparingly but keep water in the central cup of the rosette, especially in summer.
The mother plant dies after flowering but leaves offsets that can be grown on.
More pet-safe plants for similar light
- Calathea medium light
- Kentia palm medium light
- Prayer plant medium light
- Ripple peperomia medium light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Orange Star"
- Light and care: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Guzmania lingulata (Scarlet Star)"
- Light and care: Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, "Bromeliads"
- Light and care: University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension (Wisconsin Horticulture), "Bromeliads"