Red Chestnut Bromeliad

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​Red Chestnut Bromeliad

Bromelia Vriesea or Vriesea fosteriana

• ​Common Name: Red Chestnut Bromeliad
  Scientific Name: Bromelia Vriesea or Vriesea fosteriana
  Family name: Bromeliaceae
  Origin: Brazil
  Height: 12 inches
  Width: 24 inches
  Growth: Slow growth rate
  Zone: 10a
  Light needs: Partial sun to full shade
  Salt tolerance: Moderate
  Soil/PH/texture: Prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.1-7.3).
  Moisture: Prefers high humidity, needs moderate watering to fill its water cavity.
  Drought tolerance: Moderate
  Pests/diseases: Mealybugs and aphids, scale, rot; water reservoir may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so it should be flushed out and refilled weekly.
  Growing conditions: Easy to grow indoors or outdoors in part-shade areas, in terrariums, or in well-drained pots – anywhere where there is shade and humidity.
  Characteristics: Glossy green leaves with white stripes – leaves begin to turn rust-red as it ages. In the center, the base of the leaves forms a cup-like shape which collects water. It is monocarpic, flowering only once in its life. Flowers grow on a shaft and are white green with red spots, and last only one night. It is epiphytic, so it absorbs nutrients from the air and from its water reservoir rather than from the soil.
  Propagation: By offsets (pups)
  Wildlife: Water cavity attracts mosquitoes and other water-laying insects, and the occasional frog.
  Facts: It does not absorb water through its roots, but through the cup-like water reservoir in its center. Roots are used for stabilization. In its native habitat in Brazil, flowers are pollinated at night by bats.
  Designer considerations: Good in terrariums, in pots (1 gallon or larger) and for a burst of color in shady areas.

Location

Bromeliad Island Garden