Growing tips for Vriesea splendens
Growing Vriesea splendens indoors and in terrariums is relatively simple, provided you respect its specific light and humidity requirements.
Location and Light
Indirect light: Vriesea splendens prefers bright but indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight which can burn its leaves. A well-lit room, but without direct sunlight, is ideal.
Temperature: This plant likes moderate to warm temperatures, between 18 and 26°C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Watering
Humidity: Vriesea is a tropical plant that enjoys a humid atmosphere. Mist the leaves regularly to maintain high humidity around the plant.
Watering: Water the central rosette (the "vase") of the plant, always keeping a little clean water there, especially during the growing season (spring-summer). Change this water regularly to avoid stagnation. The substrate should be kept slightly moist, but not soggy. In winter, reduce watering.
Substrate and Repotting
Substrate: Use a light, well-draining potting soil, such as orchid mix or a mixture of potting soil and perlite . Drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Repotting: Vriesea does not need to be repotted frequently. Repot only when the plant outgrows its pot, usually every 2-3 years, preferably in spring.
Fertilizer
During the growing season (spring-summer), add a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks. Pour the fertilizer directly into the rosette "vase" and onto the substrate.
Maintenance and Flowering
Vriesea splendens usually blooms once in its lifetime, after which the mother plant slowly dies. Flowering can last for several months. Once the flower has faded, you can cut it off.
After flowering, the plant produces offsets (side shoots) which you can separate and repot when they reach a third of the size of the mother plant.