Vriesea splendens, commonly known as the Flaming Sword, is an eye-catching evergreen bromeliad admired for its striking foliage and vivid flowering display. It forms a neat rosette of broad, strap-shaped leaves reaching up to 60 centimetres in length. The foliage is grey-green, boldly banded across with dark green or reddish-brown markings that create an appealing pattern. From the centre of the rosette rises a tall, flat spike of bright scarlet bracts, resembling a blade, which gives the plant its distinctive name. Between the colourful bracts appear small, tubular yellow flowers that contrast beautifully against the red background. The combination of bold structure and glowing colour makes this plant a captivating focal point in any indoor setting.

Growing Conditions

Vriesea splendens thrives in bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions. It performs best at temperatures between eighteen and twenty-six degrees Celsius. The plant can be grown in a free-draining bromeliad or orchid mix, ensuring that water flows freely through the roots. Keep the central cup, or tank, partially filled with fresh rainwater or filtered water, changing it regularly to prevent stagnation. The surrounding compost should stay lightly moist, never waterlogged. This species adapts well to terrariums or bright rooms with good air circulation and protection from direct sunlight, which may fade the leaf markings.

Care and Maintenance

This bromeliad is easy to maintain and ideal for decorative displays. Feed monthly during spring and summer using a diluted bromeliad fertiliser applied to the leaves or rosette. Remove faded bracts after flowering, as the main rosette will slowly decline while producing new offsets. These can be separated and repotted once they are well developed.

Environmental Benefits

Vriesea splendens enhances indoor spaces with its vivid colour and refined tropical form. Its long-lasting bracts and patterned leaves bring structure, brightness, and an exotic touch to modern interiors.