vriesea carinata is commonly known as lobster claw or painted feather. this bromeliad has branching flower spikes. there are a lot of varieties available, in a range of colours from yellow to orange, red, violett or pink.
care
the lobster claw (vriesea carinata) is suitable for bright to light shaded places with some morning and/or evening sun.
there are special mixes for bromeliads available. but it can also be grown in a mix of regular potting soil and orchid bark (1:1) or in pure orchid soil.
keep it constantly moist but not wet, the drying of the soil’s surface will be tolerated, but it shouldn’t d dry completely. sitting in water can cause rotten roots. its reservoir should always contain some water.
in spring and summer a half diluted water soluble fertilizer can be given monthly and every six to eight weeks in fall and winter.
vriesea carinata welcomes a high humidity and likes to be sprayed over with water regularly. it needs room temperature throughout the year with a winter minimum of 15 °c/59 °f.
propagation
after flowering the lobster claw produces a new pup. if it has reached approx. 2/3 of the mother plants height it can be cutted of.
