Flaming sword guide
Vriesea splendens, also called vriesea, painted feather
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Keep a little water in the center cup. Keep the soil just damp.
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. More helps.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky orchid bark mix
- Feeding
- Quarter-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, on the soil
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall and wide
- Propagation
- Pot up the pups that grow at the base
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes flaming sword different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the bromeliad care guide.
What it is
Flaming sword is a bromeliad with a flat, sword-shaped, bright red spike rising from the center. The leaves are green with dark purple-brown bands across them. Small yellow flowers peek out from the red bracts.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Center | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Flaming sword | Flat, sword-shaped red spike | Flat spike and banded leaves |
| Guzmania | Star-shaped spike | Round star and plain leaves |
| Urn plant | Pink spiky bloom | Silver urn and pink bloom |
Care differences
Care is the same as the hub. Bright indirect light keeps the leaf bands dark.
After it blooms
The rosette dies over several months after blooming, like all bromeliads. Pups grow at the base. Cut them away once they are one third the size of the mother.
Buying it
Flaming sword is common at garden centers. Look for a bright red spike and clear bands on the leaves.