Also called flaming-sword, lobster-claws, painted-feather
(Vriesea species)
One of the showier bromeliads to grow indoors, vriesea forms a stunning vertical spike (bract) on a slender stalk.
Light
Place in high light (southern exposure) during winter and medium (bright indirect) light rest of year. Tolerates low light.
Water
Keep soil moist at all times. Avoid sogginess. Mist daily with tepid water. Keep humidity as high as possible.
Temperature
Maintain high temperatures (to 80s), if possible. Plant tolerates average temperatures. Avoid cold drafts.
Comments
Use orchid potting mix. Drench growing medium and spray foliage 'with dilute fertilizer solution. Avoid insecticides. Stimulate flowering by placing plant in sealed plastic bag with ripening apple; ethylene given off by fruit encourages flowering. Propagate by separating young plants that grow to side or in center of old plant.
