Vriesea splendens

Flaming Sword, Flaming Sword Bromeliad

Moderate careEpiphyteNon-toxic30–90 cm

Native to the tropical rainforests of Venezuela, Trinidad, and the Guianas, Vriesea splendens is a bromeliad best known for the flat, sword-like flower spike that shoots up from the rosette — brilliant scarlet bracts with small yellow flowers that can last for months. It collects water in the central cup formed by its rosette of leaves, a feature typical of tank bromeliads and key to its care indoors. The dark green leaves are crossed with horizontal bands of deep brown or purple, giving young plants ornamental value well before they ever bloom. In a terrarium, smaller or juvenile plants fit well in open setups with bright, indirect light and good air circulation.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Flaming Sword image

Care

Prefers high humidity, bright indirect light, with 15–27 °C, and reaches 90 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 27°C

Soil

Orchid mix(preferred)Well drainingPeat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Propagation

After the parent plant flowers, it produces offsets (pups) at the base or from the stem. Unlike many other bromeliads, Vriesea pups grow attached to the mother stem rather than at the side, which makes removal trickier — wait until a pup is at least 15–20 cm tall and firmly established before carefully cutting it away. Pot the offset in a well-draining mix and keep it warm and humid. Expect 3–5 years before the new plant blooms.

Native range

Native to Northern South America and Caribbean.

Appearance

Growth habit

Rosette

Leaf shape

Strap

Leaf texture

SmoothGlossy

Frequently asked

Can Flaming Sword grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Flaming Sword prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates bright-indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Flaming Sword need drainage?

Flaming Sword prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Flaming Sword need?

Flaming Sword does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Flaming Sword pet-safe?

Flaming Sword is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Flaming Sword grow?

Flaming Sword typically reaches 30–90 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Flaming Sword?

Flaming Sword can be propagated by offsets or seeds.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Vriesea splendens

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:126211-1
  2. 2

    Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Lutheria splendens

    https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b572
  3. 3

    GBIF — Vriesea splendens

    https://www.gbif.org/species/5289043
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    NC State Extension — Lutheria splendens

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lutheria-splendens/
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    Greg App — Vriesea splendens Soil Guide

    https://greg.app/vriesea-splendens-soil/
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    Greg App — Vriesea splendens Temperature

    https://greg.app/vriesea-splendens-temperature/
  12. 12

    Monsteraholic — Vriesea splendens FAQ

    https://monsteraholic.com/vriesea-splendens/
  13. 13

    Oxford University Plants 400 — Vriesea splendens

    https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/Profiles/uv/Vriesea
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    ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Blushing Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/blushing-bromeliad
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