About
A bromeliad forming a rosette of strap-shaped, light green leaves to 45cm across. The flower spike remains decorative for many weeks. In summer a waxy, red, flattened flower spike is produced, form which emerge tubular, yellow flowers.
About the genus
Vriesea are evergreen epiphytic perennials forming rosettes of strap-shaped, often attractively marbled leaves, with erect spikes of flowers with showy bracts in summer or autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical
Native toBrazil
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in pots of standard epiphytic bromeliad compost in bright, indirect light. In the growing season, keep the rosettes filled with soft water, mist daily, and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter. See Bromeliad cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or removal of offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free