Species vriesea

vriesea

Vriesea splendens

Vriesea (Vriesea splendens) is an attractive foliage plant that is native to tropical areas of South and Central America. Growing as a short, woody trunk topped with a fan-like rosette of stiff, deep-green leaves that are heavily striped with red or yellow bands, it can reach up to 2 feet tall in ideal conditions. It blooms once a year with giant, bright red-orange bracts on a long stem, each with a small spike of yellow flowers in the center. Vriesea does best in bright indirect or filtered sunlight but will still flourish indoors, even tolerating occasional neglect. It is easy to care for and can last for years with proper maintenance.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Offsets,Seed Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Bright red Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,brown

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Thorny:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Vriesea plants should be watered lightly once a week, during the active growing season, with the soil becoming slightly dry between waterings. During the winter months, water should be reduced to only every 2-3 weeks or when the plant soil is almost bone dry. It is also important to make sure that the plant is not getting too much water, as this can cause root rot.

sunlight

Vriesea (Vriesea splendens) require bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Place the plant near an east- or south-facing window for 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, which can be supplemented by an artificial fluorescent light source for up to 8 hours per day if needed. Avoid direct sunlight as this can damage the leaves. If keeping the plant outdoors, ensure that in receives dappled shade throughout the day.

pruning

Vriesea (Vriesea splendens) should be pruned lightly in spring and summer to maintain health and shape. Pruning should be done only when necessary. Light pruning can be done by simply removing dead or dying leaves and by removing yellow foliage as soon as it appears, while larger pruning sessions should be done once or twice a year. To do so, use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches and stems, allowing for increased air circulation and light. Pruning can also be done to encourage the production of new leaves and flowers. Make sure not to over-prune your Vriesea, as this can cause it to become unhealthy and weak.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Vriesea splendens typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Vriesea splendens typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map