Vriesea splendens (Flaming sword, Bromeliad)

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Plant description

Vriesea splendens is an epiphytic or terrestrial bromeliad with funnel shaped rosettes of bluish green leaves with bold cross banding of dark green or purplish stripes. In summer it bears long, upright red flower spikes. The plant likes to have the central funnel filled with water, which can be home to frogs and tadpoles.

Vriesea likes a bright to lightly shaded position, with some morning or afternoon sun. This plant likes some humidity, a regular spray of water will be appreciated. Likes a regular potting mix, orchid mix or can be grown epiphytically on trees or rocks. Keep moist but not wet, but can tolerate some dryness. Too much water in the root zone can cause rotting.  Feed in spring and summer with a weak liquid fertiliser.

Propagation is by division of the small offsets called pups.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: red
Flowering season: summer

Plant size

Maximum height: 15 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 0.4 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Frogs, insects.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: not specified.

Sand: moist, well-drained.

Diseases

Fungal rot in over wet conditions

Pests

Scale

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Half strength liquid fertiliser.

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