A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 what kind of plant do i have?

hi... i am new to gardening and plants. i just received a plant as a gift and i don't know what it is or how to take care of it.
it's a potted plant with long green leaves with a tall red thingy (possibly a bloom). the red thingy is kinda spiky.
i have been known to kill plants where people think it's more humane to give my cut flowers as they are already dead
i would really like to give this plant the proper love and care it needs so if you can help me with identifying this plant i would be most appreciative!

it's commonly found at corner bodegas in new york city next to the peace lilies... i don't have a picture yet but hopefully soon if one is needed.

Is this it?

anthurium \'flamingo flower\'

A photo would be helpful to correctly identify your plant.

Could it be a Bromeliad?

Bromeliad Society International (Check out the photos in Genera Gallery link in the left frame)

I vote with cricket but I don't have a clue. I'm a new gardener and had a black thumb until the members got a hold of me. My plants are all doing much better. I'm strarting my own inside jungle and loving it.

could be a rubber tree too

~Phoebe

Sounds like a bromeliad. Maybe 'Queens tears'.

My guess is Guzmania. I see them frequently in NYC bodegas.

What's a bodega?

A bodega is a small corner grocery store found in Spanish neighborhoods. They also sell flowers, cigarettes, lottery tickets, and just about anything else you could need 24 hours per day.

i think it's a guzmania... it's doing well and still alive. here's a picture just in case
[img] file://localhost/Users/clarkie14/Desktop/IMG_1067.jpg [/img]

eh... picture didn't work but it's definitely a guzmania... thanks all for your help.

Clarkie,

You may have read otherwise, but it is best not to put water in the Guzmania cup. You should water the soil thoroughly whenever the top half-inch feels dry to the touch. Do not repot it. Provide lots of bright indirect light with a couple of hours of direct sun; a north or east windowsill is best. It is pest resistant and rarely needs fertilizer.