Talk about an unusual and eye-catching houseplant, Vriesea era brings serious tropical vibes. This makes sense, given it grows wild in the hot, humid forests of central and south America. Rather than growing on the ground, it prefers growing in the branches and crevices of big trees, where it can get access to more light. Unlike other plants, it really just uses its roots to cling on to other trees and absorbs water and nutrients from mist and rainfall through its leaves. A pretty clever adaptation! In horti talk we call it an epiphyte. Because it uses its leaves to stay hydrated, it’s really important that you mist your plant daily, or keep it somewhere that humidity is high, like the kitchen or bathroom.
It has broad, green and maroon striped strappy leaves that meet at the base to form a rosette. It’s from this spiral that its unusual bright orange flower spike emerges in summer, the very thing that gives this plant its fierce common name, the ‘flaming sword’. While its flower will hold for some time, it’s important to know that once it’s died back, that rosette won’t grow another one. At this point you can cut the dead flower spike off at the base. New flower spikes will only emerge from new rosettes that will grow out from the base of the existing one. These new plants are called ‘offsets’ and will grow larger with time.
Your Vriesea plant will grow best in a bright, warm room that is high in humidity. It will get a serious sulk on if you put it somewhere near a radiator or fireplace in winter, where hot dry air will cause its leaves to go crispy and brown. Too much harsh direct sunlight might also cause its leaves to scorch. Remember that it’s used to growing in tree canopies where the light is filtered by leaves above.
Did you know?
Because they are part of the same plant family, Bromeliads, Vriesea era is related to the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). While it may not grow big juicy fruit like its cousin, its flaming sword-like flower makes up for this.
Light watering
Light shade
Feeding
