The Genus Vriesea -A Painted Feather
A large group of flowering plants in the bromeliad family closely related to Guzmania and Tillandsia (air plants). It’s native areas are Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies.
Named after Willem Hendrik de Vriese, Dutch botanist, physician (1806–1862).
Sometimes called “painted feather” it also know as “flaming sword”.
Unique nature
Most Vriesea are epiphytes and grow on trees. Their roots function mainly as attachments – not usually for absorbing nutrients. These would be mainly absorbed from special cells at the base of the leaf - water too.
The genus contains some of the largest bromeliad species that are home to various frog species. Some frogs may go through their whole life cycle in the cup formed by the rosette of leaves.
It also has a wild way of dispersing seed. Once fertilized, the spade forms dry capsules that split open to release parachute like seeds similar to Dandelion !
Indoor use
They can be grown outdoors in warm climates or in greenhouses for use indoors. They are know for their brilliant and long lasting flowers. I find their foliage to be just as striking !
Most varieties will do well in an indoor lighting sufficient to read by.
Since they are mainly rainforest tropical they prefer constant warm temperature.
As they drink and feed through the leaves, keep the center cups filled with water and mist the leaves regularly. If potted, water infrequently and let the soil dry out between watering.
All bromeliads including the flaming sword plant and other vrieseas are considered non-toxic to both dogs and cats.
Species and cultivars
Vriesea is one of the most hybridized genera of bromeliads – with 246 species and seemingly that many more cultivars grown for their showy flowers. Here are just a few !
Vrisea hieroglyphica
Vrisea incurvata
Vrisea carinata
Vrisea forsteriana “red chetsnut”
Mesmerizing!
Call us - lets put some in your living room!
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Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK
