momiroot

Flaming sword

Vriesea splendens · Family Bromeliaceae

Also known as: vriesea, bromeliad, painted feather

Flaming sword
Photo: Denis Conrado · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Light
Partial shade to bright indirect
Watering
Every 7 days
Difficulty
Easy
Pet-safe
Yes

Care

Where to put it

A warm, bright room such as a living room or bathroom.

Light

Partial shade to bright indirect light. Strong sun bleaches the leaves.

Watering

Keep the leaf cup topped up with water; let the compost dry slightly between drinks.

About the plant

Called the flaming sword, it has leaves with dark bands and a flat red spike that resembles a sword. The flower spike lasts for months and stands out in any corner. In a pot it is 30 to 50 cm tall.

Origin

Native to the tropical forests of Venezuela, the Guianas and Trinidad, growing on trees.

What it likes

  • Indirect light or partial shade
  • Water in the central cup
  • A warm, humid spot

What it dislikes

  • Strong direct sun
  • Soggy potting mix
  • Cold and draughts

Did you know?

The genus honours Willem Hendrik de Vriese, a 19th-century Dutch botanist.

Listed in

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