Flaming Sword Bromeliad (Vriesea splendens)

Last updated: August 3, 2025

Bromeliads are exotic and relatively low-maintenance plants known for their vibrant, long-lasting flower spikes and unique rosette-shaped foliage. Many common bromeliads are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants in nature, not in soil.

Lighting

Bromeliads generally prefer bright, indirect light. Some varieties can tolerate more light, and others prefer less, but indirect light is a safe bet for most. Avoid direct, scorching sun. An east or west-facing window is usually ideal.

Watering Routine

The most unique aspect of bromeliad watering is that most should be watered through their "cup" or "tank" (the central well formed by their leaves). Keep this cup filled with clean, filtered water, distilled water, or rainwater. Flush out the old water and refill it every 1-2 weeks to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth. Additionally, moisten the soil (if it's potted in soil) very lightly every few weeks, allowing it to dry out completely between waterings. The roots are primarily for anchoring, not for nutrient uptake.

Fertilizer Requirements

Bromeliads are light feeders. Fertilize very sparingly, if at all. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Commercial Recommendation: Products like Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food (Liquid) or Schultz Liquid Plant Food can work. Dilute these commercial concentrates to achieve approximately 10-25 ppm N in your final solution. This is often equivalent to using them at "1/8 to 1/4 strength" of the package's recommended dose. Do not pour fertilizer into the central cup; instead, mist the diluted solution onto the leaves or apply a tiny amount to the soil.
DIY Fertilizer Suggestion:
For very light feeding, use your homemade 1-1-1 liquid fertilizer concentrate (Balanced).
- For 1-1-1 concentrate (10,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Very Light Feeding" rate, using 1 ml to 2.5 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~10-25 ppm N, 10-25 ppm P₂O₅, 10-25 ppm K₂O). See recipe details.
Schedule: Fertilize once every 1-2 months during the spring and summer.

Misting Requirements

Bromeliads appreciate moderate to high humidity. While keeping their central cup filled helps, occasional misting with room-temperature water can also be beneficial, especially if your indoor air is dry.

Pot Size and Soil Type

Pot Size: Bromeliads have small root systems and do not need large pots. Choose a pot that is just large enough to support the plant and prevent it from toppling over. A 4-6 inch pot is often sufficient for a mature plant. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Soil Type: If your bromeliad is potted, it's not in regular potting soil. It needs an extremely well-draining, airy, and fast-drying mix that mimics its epiphytic nature. An orchid bark mix, a mix of peat moss and perlite, or a special bromeliad mix works well. The soil is primarily for stability, not for providing nutrients.