What is its name, and how do I grow it correctly?

15 years ago

Hello, I'm new to bromeliads, and I just purchased one with a bright red bloom(inflorescence?) from a nursery. I am somewhat familiar with the epiphyte-type plants from having orchids. I don't want to treat it like an orchid, though, and have it die! I'm including pics in a sec, when I figure out how. Here is a basic description:

Smooth, un-serrated leaves, striped horizontally with jagged bands of darker green. Leaves arranged in "star like" pattern, all grow from single center. Flower is on a single erect spike growing ~ 6 in from center of plant, is bright red, smooth, and firm. Flower is not 'open' and I am unsure whether it is mature. It is About 2 feet hight including flower spike, which is about 6 or 7 in long.

Basically, I have spent the last day trying to find its name, but I don't have a clue about species' basic appearances, or where to put it so its happy. It is currently flowering(spiking? inflorescing? Not sure of correct term) and its so pretty I am terrified it won't like its new home. I'd appreciate if anyone could give me advice as to care, fertilizing, potting medium, light needs, etc for this type of brome, and if possible I'd love to know the full name if it can be identified. Thank you in advance!

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Comments (6)

avane_gw
15 years ago
Maybe Vriesea splendens or one of it's cv's like Favoriet os Splenriet?

Japie
rickta66
15 years ago
Katie,

You may have a Vriesea Glutnosa or Vriesea Splendens, the link below should help you post a picture which will make identification and help a lot easier.

If you can grow orchids I'm sure you can grow broms, I kill most orchids.

Cheers,

Rick

Here is a link that might be useful: HDD's guide to posting pics
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LisaCLV
15 years ago
Sounds like it could be Vriesea splendens.

The closer you can approximate the warmth and humidity of a tropical rainforest, the happier it will be. Vrieseas like somewhat lower light conditions than some other types, but that doesn't mean completely dark. Since you're in Colorado, I assume you won't be growing it outdoors anyway, so you probably won't have to worry about it getting too much sun. Near a window where it gets morning sun should be okay. Just about any well-drained houseplant potting mix is fine. Keep the soil lightly moist but not soaking or sitting in water. Keeping water in the center cup will be appreciated too, as bromeliads absorb some water through their leaves, but it helps to flush it out periodically, say about once a week.
katie_mtncolor
Original Author
15 years ago
THANK YOU to everyone who responded to my plea, I'm so relieved, and I'm sure my new brome will be too!
plantcrazed101
10 years ago
well, I have one of those and it's not happy I don't think. It's leaves are curling. I've been terrible with watering it consistently because I didn't limit my plant collection well. Now that I've culled some plants out though I've been watering it more often and not letting it go dry for weeks.

My question is, will come back and be happy again? I keep killing bromeliads, I'm not really sure what to do with them.

I will post a pic once I get one of it. I'm really glad to have found this forum though because with the next bromeliads I get I can ask y'all questions! It's really tough to find good info on the internet and there's hardly any books either.
hotdiggetydam
10 years ago
If its the above mentioned plant. Wait till spring, go to Home Depot and get another one.