Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Vriesea splendens or Flaming sword

The genus Vriesea, family Bromeliaceae, includes more than 100 species of bromeliads native to tropical America. Some species are: Vriesea splendens, Vriesea ensiformis, Vriesea carinata, Vriesea procera, Vriesea regina.

Common name: Flaming sword. This species is native to Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and some islands in the Caribbean.

They are epiphytic bromeliads that reach 60 cm (23.6") in height and 60 cm (23.6") in diameter. The leaves form a large funnel-shaped rosette, are arched, and are bright green or dark green with light stripes. The showy floral scape is erect and has red and yellow bracts. The tubular flowers have yellow petals and are up to 8 cm (3.14") in length. They can bloom from spring to early fall although they rarely do. After flowering the mother plant dies but before it produces suckers at the base.

They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants.

Vriesea splendens needs a light exposure but protected from direct sun. The temperature must be warm, at least 18-20 ºC (64-68 ºF) although the plant resists up to 30 ºC (86 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of coarse sand, peat, and sphagnum moss.

Water frequently with lukewarm lime-free water so that the substrate is always damp. The center of the rosette should always have water and should be emptied after flowering. It is important that the humidity is high: place a plate with damp pebbles under the pot.

They do not need fertilizer or pruning.

The main dangers for these plants are drought, cold and drafts.

They are propagated by separation of suckers in spring or summer.

Images of the indoor plant Vriesea splendens or Flaming sword