Vriesea hieroglyphica

An evergreen plant consisting of circular clusters of leaves (rosette) growing to 1m tall and wide.

Rosettes of broad bright green smooth edged leaves with strong dark banding. The bronze colour strengthens when exposed to high light conditions but does not like direct sunlight.
This Vriesea seldom flowers but when it does it produces a yellow flowering spike.

Best planted in light shade and in free draining soil or potting mix. Shelter from strong winds. Tolerates mild frost and dry conditions once established.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows plants to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Young plants require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser, and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square meter. The worst fate for a plant is to be planted in a hole where the root ball is allowed to sink below the surrounding ground level. Therefore it is generally desirable to plant into slightly raised beds of well cultivated soil. This improves drainage and provides near surface roots with well aerated soil in which to grow.

All bromeliads require good drainage and loose porous soil and good air movement. To improve soil conditions you can mix copious quantities of orchid potting mix, coarse and fine bark, and untreated sawdust to make an ideal planting medium.

Because bromeliads have the central water tank between their leaves, after planting they need little or no further fertiliser as they gather all the nutrients they require from the insects and leaf matter that falls into the water and decays. Once the decaying process has started all the nutrients are absorbed into the water and then the plant itself.

Mulching annually helps suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose, but keep mulching material away from the trunk. Because bromeliads have the central water tank between their leaves, after planting they need little or no further fertiliser as they gather all the nutrients they require from the insects and leaf matter that falls into the water and decays. Once the decaying process has started all the nutrients are absorbed into the water and then the plant itself.

The first summer and autumn after planting are critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Pests and diseases can have serious debilitating effects on young plants; check regularly.

On the whole bromeliads are low maintenance plants that tolerate dry periods well. However, make sure the centre of the rosette (tank) is always kept filled with water for optimal growth.

Provides habitat for frogs and invertebrates in the water tank in the centre of the plant.

Scale, thrips and mealybugs may be a problem. Mosquito larvae are often present in the centre if the water is stagnant. These plants are susceptible to rot if not planted in optimum conditions.

Logan Campbell

In their natural habitat bromeliads typically grow as ephiphytes (on trees).