Vriesea splendens
Flaming sword
- Height × spread
- 1m × 0.5m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 15C & above (RHS H1a)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a handsome plant with broad grey green leaves with purple banding. The flower takes the form of a scarlet sword shaped spike. The true flowers, coloured yellow, peer from the bracts that compose the spike and scarcely notice. General care: These need a bright spot but not direct sunlight. Rainwater should be used in hard water areas. Keep just moist in summer and ensure the reservoir at the centre of the plant is filled. It also benefits from regular misting of the foliage. In winter water sparingly but do not allow to dry-out. This can be grown in compost. It needs specialist epiphyte compost or one made from equal quantities of pine bark, coarse sand and leaf mould. They should have excellent drainage. During winter these need a minimum temperature of 15C.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Grey, Purple
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 15C & above (RHS H1a)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- semi shade
- Indoor temperature
- 15C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food
Use standard houseplant feed at quarter strength. Apply every four weeks when in growth.
Note: House plant feeds that are lower in nitrogen are preferred during the end of the growing season. Otherwise the plant can respond with soft or weak growth that is detrimental at the end of the season as it does not have time to mature before winter.
Spring-Winter · Indoors
Mist the plant daily
Soft or rain water is preferred as it doesn't mark the foliage. Don't mist when the plant is in sunshine or the foliage could be scorched.
Mist the plant daily.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Feed with houseplant food
Use standard houseplant feed at quarter strength. Apply every four weeks when in growth.
Note: House plant feeds that are lower in nitrogen are preferred during the end of the growing season. Otherwise the plant can respond with soft or weak growth that is detrimental at the end of the season as it does not have time to mature before winter.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Mist the plant daily
Plants which enjoy high humidity should be misted daily. Soft or rain water is preferred as it doesn't mark the foliage. Avoid spraying at the height of day or the water can act as a magnifying glass and leaves may be scorched.
Mist the plant daily when in growth, preferably using rain or soft water.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water lightly during dormancy
The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.
Winter · Outdoors
Water lightly during dormancy
The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.
Planting & general
Indoors
Water by filling the "cup"
Keep the "cup" at the centre of plant filled with soft or rain water.
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoors
Water by filling the "cup"
Keep the "cup" at the centre of plant filled with soft or rain water.
Compost · Planting
Bromeliad (terrestrial) compost for repotting
These grow in soil, often in arid, dry areas. Standard compost mixes are often available or substitute with an orchid compost.
If making one's own compost, use a loam based compost (John Innes no. 1) with equal amounts of fine (horticultural) grit.
Indoor temperature · Planting
15C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 15 Centigrade.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in moderate light / some shade
This plant is happiest in a position with part or light shade, near a sunless window or some distance away from a sunny or bright window. It should not be exposed to full sunlight.