Hi everyone,

MsGreenFinger - There's an old saying here in Australia which says, you can't beat local knowledge; so it's better if you talk to someone in your own area.

I live in Australia in conditions much different to yours so I can't really tell you what you should do; I can only say how I grow these plants.

I know nothing about semi-hydro systems nor clay pellets as I've never used either. I grow my Guzmanias in a 50/50 mix of Pine Bark and Coco Peat chunks which I find drains well but just retains sufficient moisture to prevent drying right out.

I know nothing of the 'general' A+B hydro fertilizer you speak of and feed my plants with a foliar fertilizer called "Phostrogen" which has an N:P:K ratio of 14 : 4.4 : 22.4. They are fed with this each fortnight during the warmer weather when they are actively growing only.

I find Guzmanias like a little more shade than Aechmeas and Neoregelias, and I grow mine beneath 75% green shade cloth together with Vrieseas and Nidulariums which they seem to like. They like good air circulation around them but dislike wind.

I water once a week in summer and once a fortnight during winter and as I water overhead all the time, there is always water in the rosette.

I think the main thing to remember is that more plants are killed by over watering than under-watering and if in doubt as to whether your plant needs water or not, leave it for a couple more days and then water it.

As a handy guide, watch the colour of your plant's leaves. The leaves in your photo look about right. Generally speaking if the leaf tips are brown it means your plant isn't getting enough water and if the leaf tips are yellow it means it is getting too much water.

I hope this helps in some small way.

All the best, Nev.