Vriesea hieroglyphica
king of the bromeliads
An epiphytic bromeliad forming a dense, funnel-shaped rosette to 80cm across. The arching, strap-shaped leaves are yellow-green with striking, irregular dark green bands. Mature plants may produce a branched spike of yellow flowers in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Vriesea are evergreen epiphytic perennials forming rosettes of strap-shaped, often attractively marbled leaves, with erect spikes of flowers with showy bracts in summer or autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E. Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in pots of standard epiphytic bromeliad compost in bright, indirect light. In the growing season, keep the rosettes filled with soft water, mist daily, and apply a quarter strength foliar fertiliser every 4-5 weeks. Keep just moist in winter. See Bromeliad cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or removal of offsets in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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