Vriesea duvaliana

RHS Plant Profile
vase plant
Award of Garden Merit
Houseplants

A bromeliad forming a rosette of strap-shaped, light green leaves to 45cm across. In summer a waxy, red, flattened flower spike is produced, form which emerge tubular, yellow flowers. The flower spike remains decorative for many weeks

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
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 half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. 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