Vriesea
Flaming sword
- Height × spread
- 1m – 1m × 0.5m – 0.5m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are over 200 species of these plants which are found in tropical regions of the Americas. They make handsome 'vase-shaped' plants with thick, often lustrous leaves. They generally produce showy spikes of flowers that arise from their centre. The often showy edifice for the true, tiny flowers that appear in the bracts and may hardly notice. The flower spikes are generally red but there may be white bands, or colour changes to yellow and red which add to the interest. These plants need a minimum temperature of around 17 degrees Centigrade. They need bright indirect light and a warm position away from draughts. Rainwater should be used, keeping the compost just moist. In many cases the plant dies after it has flowered but it generally produces new baby plants that develop round its base. These can be detached and grown on in houseplant compost if required.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Grey, Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1m – 1m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- 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 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.
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.