Vriesea Bromeliads
Vriesea Bromeliads many with colourful sword like flowers are popular with collectors and landscapers alike and are an easy care plant.
Vrieseas are originally from Central and South America ( found from Mexico through to Brazil) so when looking at care requirements take into account that they like warmth, indirect light and water.
With over 240 species including v. ospinae, v. imperialis and v. fosteriana and many cultivars variety is outstanding. Vriesea Splendens or ‘Flaming Sword’ is one of the most popular species with lots of hybrids available.
V. imperialis is an outstanding plant, perhaps not as colorful but the deep maroon flower spike that reaches up to 2m is eye-catching.
Vriesea Care
Distinguished by the sword or flame like flower shoot, usually orange to red and usually a brilliant shade.
In terms of care Vrieseas like a moist but well drained potting mix and like other bromeliads need to have water in the leaf funnels or rosettes to be happy.
Plant grown from seed and pups may take a few years to flower, but are well worth the wait.
Vriesea species include
With so many species a few that are worth looking for include V. gigantea from eastern Brazil, this is both epiphytic and terrestrial and is found in coastal rain forests to an altitude of 500m.
Others include :V. splendens, V. imperialis, V. racinae, V. hieroglyphica – a fascinating species with variegated green and yellow foliage, V. duvaliana and V. christiane
Further Information
Vrieseas are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
1990 Round Hill Road Agnes Water, QLD 4677
Includes: Bromeliads . Huge selection of cordylines available over 500 varieties including rare lines and Hawaiian imports.
www.santuropark.com.au
RIVERSIDE BROMELIADS – PH 07 40965066
Box 354 Malanda QLD 4885
Bromeliad specialist. Species and hybrids of Vrieseas, Guzmanias and Nidulariums. Catalogue available.
PARADISE DISTRIBUTORS – 07 5441 5921