vriesea splendens’ common name flaming sword is based on its sword shaped inflorescence with closely overlapping bright red bracts. the popular houseplant is also known as zebra bromeliad or painted feather. its native to south america where its growing epiphytic (sitting on trees).
care
the flaming sword (vriesea splendens) can be placed from bright with some morning and/or evening sun to light shaded.
it can be grown in a mix of regular potting soil and orchid bark (1:1) or in pure orchid soil. there are also special mixes for bromeliads available.
keep it constantly moist but not wet, the drying of the soil’s surface will be tolerated, but it don’t let it dry completely. sitting in water can cause rotten roots. its reservoir should always be filled with 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 splendens welcomes a high humidity and likes to be sprayed over with water regularly. it should be grown at room temperature the year round with a winter minimum of 15 °c/59 °f.
propagation
after flowering the flaming sword produces a new pup. if this has reached approx. 2/3 of the mother plants height it can be cutted of.