Vriesea Botafogensis, of the Bromeliad family, is a beautiful plant with wide, thick leathery leaves. It is unusual for its gray green color, heavy marron/purple spotting. Tall yellow bloom spike. Upright shape with curling leaves that curl tighter at its tips. Native to Brazil.
Vriesea can be grown similarly to air plants as they are epiphytic in nature. They use their roots to hang on to rocks, bark, and soil. If planting in soil use a mix of orchid and bromeliad substrate. Just orchid bark works great too. Lightly water the planting substrate when it is dry. Mostly water in the central reservoir of the plant where it will take in most of its water to avoid root rot. We water our Vriesea two to three times per week depending on temperatures with good air circulation. The hotter it is the more we water to keep things humid. Fertilizing works best if sprayed or added into the central reservoir when watering. Our Tillandsia fertilizer works well for this.
Vriesea make wonderful house plants. If planting outdoors avoid high and low temperatures moving them inside or to shelter during these times. They prefer bright filtered light but can tolerate a wider range of light than most bromeliads. In hotter, higher light they prefer a more humid environment.
Propagation occurs through offsets, typically after blooming.
Shipped bare root.
COLD WEATHER SHIPPING: Check the weather in your area during shipment times. A heat pack is recommended if temperatures fall below 40 degrees. You can purchase a heat pack under our "Supplies" section.
