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Vrieseas are Bromeliads, wonderful foliage plants in the sub-tropical garden, with striking markings, colours and textures.
Vriesias are one of the largest, as well as one of the most popular, bromeliads, coming mainly from central and South America, and the Carribbean. The leaves are their main feature and a brightly coloured, striped and, as below, can look like hieroglyphics.
Large foliage plants, the larger Vrieseas can reach 1.0m by 1.5m wide.
Plant Vrieseas together, in clumps, for a more telling garden picture or use the technique of typing them to pongs trunks to create bromeliad trees and lift them towards eye-level.
We show three different Vrieseas here, but there are more available at your local plant nursery.
Cultivation: all require sharp drainage, partial shade and a garden site where they will not be frosted. An orchid miz or sphagnum moss in a tree pocket or pot is an ideal medium. Water moderately, mist frequently if in a dry climate and always ensure that the central rosette is full of water.
Propagation: Offsets or seed
Vriesea fosteriana rubra
Vriesea fosteriana rubra has bold red foliage with long, arching leaves.
Cultivation: Plant in orchid mix or similar and place in a warm position with good air movement.
Propagation: Offsets or seed
Below for more plant profiles and features
Bromeliad 'tree'
Vrieseas, and other bromeliads can be planted in pots or on ponga trunks to lift them from their normal home on the forest floor. Take care that you ensure the host or pot is strong enough to take what can become a sizeable plant.
Vriesea platynema
Vriesea platynema has blue-green leaves, and red bracts with yellow petalled flowers
Vriesea hieroglyphica stripa
Vriesea hieroglyphica stripa has boldy marked leaves (hence the name). Strong and arching growth to 1.0m and wider. A tall flower-head (shown) is produced in time.
