Vriesea splendens are native to Brazil and part of the bromeliad family. It is closely related to pineapples and Spanish moss. The plant leaves are long and thin, green with red or yellow stripes running down the middle.
Its flowers are small and white, yellow, or red, growing in clusters at the end of the main shaft.
Some of the common household names for the Vriesea splendens include:
- Flaming Sword Plant
- Red Crested Bromeliad
- Red Feather Bromeliad
Quick Facts On Vriesea Splendens
- Family: Bromeliaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 60° and 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Drought-tolerant; use room temperature water
- Fertilizer: Diluted all-purpose liquid plant fertilizer
- Propagation: Offsets
- Common Problems: Snails, overwatering, yellowing leaves
The Vriesea splendens gained these names because of its bright red leaves, which are said to resemble a sword. It can also boast beautiful red and yellow flowers.
You might want to get a Vriesea splendens because they are pretty plants that can be used as decoration.
If you take care of your Vriesea splendens, it will thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.
In this article, we will dive deep into what Vriesea splendens is and how you can take care of it.
Read on to learn everything you need about this beautiful plant.
Vriesea Splendens Care
When caring for your Vriesea Splendens, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
What Does The Flaming Sword Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
First and foremost, Vriesea splendens is known for its gorgeous, brightly-colored leaves.
The leaves are usually red, pink, or orange, and they’re often variegated with stripes of white or yellow.
These plants can grow from 12″ to 24″ inches tall and spread about the same width.
When grown indoors, the Flaming sword plant tends to be smaller than its outdoor counterparts.
As a result, they also have a shorter lifespan, only lasting about 2 to 3 years.
However, they’re still relatively easy to care for if you follow a few simple guidelines.
Outdoor Vriesea splendens plants, on the other hand, can grow much larger—up to 4′ feet tall!
They also have a much longer lifespan, lasting anywhere from 5 to 7 years.
However, they’re not as easy to care for as indoor plants since they’re more susceptible to pests and diseases.
When Does The Flaming Sword Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
When it comes to flowers, Vriesea splendens plants are relatively unimpressive.
The flowers are small, green, yellow, or red, and not very showy. They also don’t have a scent.
However, the flowers are interesting in that they bloom for several months at a time.
The blooming period for indoor Vriesea splendens plants is typically shorter than for outdoor plants.
Indoor plants usually bloom for 2 to 3 months, while outdoor plants can bloom for up to 6 months.
Your Flaming sword plant will flower best if potbound, so don’t be too hurried to upgrade its container.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
When grown indoors, Vriesea splendens plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sun, but too much sun will cause the leaves to fade.
These plants also prefer warm temperatures—between 60° and 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
Outdoor Vriesea splendens plants prefer full sun, but they can tolerate some shade.
They also prefer warm temperatures but are more tolerant of cooler temperatures than indoor plants. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
The flaming sword plant is native to Brazil, so it prefers warm, humid conditions.
You can grow this plant outdoors if you live in a place with hot summers and mild winters.
But if you live in a place with cold winters, it’s best to grow this plant indoors.
Some ways to encourage good humidity levels in your home include:
- Grouping your plants together
- Placing a pebble tray under your plants
- Using a humidifier
How And When To Water And Fertilize Flaming Sword Plant?
Vriesea splendens plants are relatively drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to water them very often.
However, they prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. So when you do water them, be sure to use room-temperature water.
Indoor plants should be watered about once a week, while outdoor plants can be watered every 2 weeks.
During the winter, you can reduce the watering frequency to about once a month.
It’s best to fertilize flaming sword plants using diluted to half-strength all-purpose liquid plant fertilizer about once a month during the growing season.
You can also use any type of fertilizer, but follow the instructions on the package. Do not fertilize your plant in the winter.
Over-fertilizing can cause problems, such as leaf burn or root rot. So, it’s best to err on less rather than more.
What Is The Best Soil For Vriesea Splendens, And When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for Vriesea splendens plants is light and well-draining. A good potting mix should do the trick.
If you’re unsure whether your soil is light and well-draining, you can test it by sticking your finger.
If the soil feels light and fluffy, it’s probably light enough. However, it might not drain well if the soil feels dense and heavy. In that case, you can add some perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Transplanting is not necessary. However, if you choose to transplant, you should transplant your flaming sword plant every 2 to 3 years.
The best time to transplant Flaming sword plant is in the spring.
When you transplant, be sure to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the one your plant is currently in.
A pot that is too large will make it difficult to keep the soil moist.
To transplant your Vriesea splendens plant, follow these steps:
- Water the plant well the day before you plan to transplant it.
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot.
- Place the plant in the new pot, and fill in around it with potting mix.
- Water the plant well, and place it in a warm, bright location.
Does Vriesea Splendens Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Pruning is only necessary if your plant becomes too large for its pot or starts to look leggy.
To prune, simply cut back the stem to the desired length using a sharp knife or pruning shears.
Be sure to disinfect your tools before and after pruning by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol. This will help prevent the spread of disease.
After pruning, your plant may stop flowering for some time. This is normal, and it will eventually start flowering again.
How To Over-Winter Vriesea Splendens?
If you live in a place with cold winters, you must take steps to protect your Vriesea splendens plant from the cold.
The best way to do this is to bring it indoors and place it in a sunny spot. You can also wrap the pot in bubble wrap or burlap to help insulate it.
If you live in a particularly cold climate, you may need to provide additional heat. A grow light or heat lamp can help keep your plant warm enough to survive the winter.
Once spring arrives, you can move your flaming sword plant back outdoors.
Be sure to acclimate it slowly to the change in temperature and light levels to avoid shocking it.
How To Propagate The Flaming Sword Plant?
One of the most popular questions is how to propagate a flaming sword plant. While this can be done by seed, it is much easier and faster to do via offsets.
You can choose your offsets in spring or early summer if you have an adult plant.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, carefully remove the plant from its pot and loosen the roots. You will then see small, new plants growing around the base of the main plant.
- Gently separate new plants from the parent plant, getting as much root as possible.
- Plant the offsets in their own pots, using a well-draining potting mix.
- Water them well and place them in bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Within a few weeks, you should see new growth.
Once the offsets are large enough to handle, you can transplant them into their own pots or the garden.
Vriesea Splendens Pests And Diseases
This plant is relatively resistant to pests and disease, but snails can sometimes be a problem.
If you see them on your plant, remove them immediately. Snails can damage the leaves of the plant and cause problems with growth.
Overwatering can also be a problem, leading to root rot. Ensure that you only water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch, and don’t allow it to sit in water.
If you think your plant may be overwatered, look at the roots. If they are brown and mushy, it’s time to take action.
To save an overwatered plant, do the following:
- Remove it from its pot and gently rinse the roots with water.
- Cut away dead or dying roots and repot the plant in a fresh, dry potting mix.
- Water it well and place it in a warm, bright spot.
With any luck, your plant will recover and start to grow again.
Finally, red-crested bromeliad does not like low humidity. If the air in your home is too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl at the edges.
You can use a pebble tray or humidifier to increase the humidity around your plant.
Other than that, just watch for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves. This can be caused by too much or too little water, temperature extremes, or poor lighting.
If you catch the problem early, it is usually easy to fix.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your red crested bromeliad happy and healthy for many years to come.
Suggested Uses For Red Crested Bromeliad
The red-crested bromeliad is a beautiful plant that makes a great addition to any home.
It is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
This plant can be used as an indoor or outdoor plant. It looks beautiful in pots on the patio or deck and makes a stunning addition to any indoor space.
It can also be used in mass plantings in the garden, where it will add color and interest all year round.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, the red-crested bromeliad is a great plant to add to your collection.
With a little care and attention, it will thrive in your home for many years to come.