Vriesea Splendens
Flaming Sword Bromeliad
Vriesea splendens (also known as Flaming Sword, Painted Feather, and
Zebra Bromeliad) features rigid, strap-like arching leaves, marked in
irregular horizontal bands of dark green and black, which form a tight
vase in the center.
Mature plants grow to 20 in/50 cm tall with a spread reaching 24 in/60
cm wide.
The best environment for the Flaming Sword bromeliad provides bright
light, warm temperatures, and moderate to high humidity.
When this bromeliad is three to four years old, a tall, bright red
sword-shaped spike will emerge, with small yellow flowers emerging from
the bracts.
The red spike will last for several weeks, followed by a slow decline
while product one or more offsets.
Vriesea splendens can be planted in the ground in a humus rich soil, or
attached to the side of a fern tree.
Bring this bromeliad inside during winter months. Propagate a new plant
from the pups when the parent plant is close to expiring.
Vriesea
Splendens (Flaming Sword) Bromeliad Care Tips
Lighting Requirements
This bromeliad prefers bright, indirect light year-round, with some
direct sunlight in the winter.
Temperature Requirements
Warm temperatures year-round (70 - 80° F / 21 - 27° C) are ideal.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to
½ the normal strength. Apply the fertilizer to the leaves, roots, and
reservoir.
Water
Keep soil lightly moist at all times. Refill the reservoir every two
weeks with fresh water. Spray leaves weekly. Keep bromeliad in a humid
environment.
Soil
Orchid potting soil or bromeliad mix.
Propogation
After flowering, the Flaming Sword Bromeliad usually produces one healthy offset.
Allow the pup to grow until it reaches a height of at least 8 in / 20
cm. The pup can then be removed and potted. The parent plant can then
be discarded.
Repotting
The ideal container size for mature plants is 6 in / 15 cm. Young
plants should be repotted after two years.
Longetivity
Individual plants live for three to four years.
Selection
Varieties will vary in leaf variegation and color of the flowering
spike. Look for plants that have not yet bloomed, or are just beginning
to produce the flowering spike.
Uses and Display Tips
The vibrant leaf colors make this bromeliad a unique focal point, even
when the flower is not blooming. Since the spread of this plant is
wide, a good location is a raised platform or plant stand, with other
low-light plants used as accents beneath.