Vriezia is a beautiful houseplant that catches the eye with its unique colorful inflorescence. It belongs to the bromeliad family. The forests of South America are considered the birthplace of Vriezia. This culture was first described by Willem de Vries, after whom it got its name in 1843.
To grow vriezia at home, certain knowledge is required. It is a thermophilic plant that is naturally tied to the tropical climate. Therefore, in leaving it is quite capricious. In order for the flower to have a healthy, well-groomed appearance throughout the year, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for it.
The history of the origin of Vriezia
The homeland of this beauty is South and Central America, West Indies. Trees, driftwood, rocks, cliffs are the places where it grows in nature, since it is an epiphytic plant. The rainforests of the tropics are the most suitable environment for her. In Russia, the first specimens of the bromeliad family appeared in the greenhouses of landowners in the 19th century. Although in the previous century, Spanish sailors brought over 14 varieties of these plants to Europe.
The exotic flower is named in memory of the Dutch botanist Hugo De Vries.
In Western Europe, plants of this family are used by florist designers. With the help of them, they decorate New Year's windows, create a festive atmosphere.
An interesting historical fact. These magical plants were found in the bedroom of Louis XIV. According to bioenergetics, they contribute to the activation of male power.
Psychologists recommend cultivating vriezia for pessimistic people, as it adds a sense of self-confidence. In addition, it helps to cope with yourself under stress.
What does it look like
The home ornamental plant Vriesia belongs to the Bromeliad family. Due to its decorative properties and unpretentious care, it earned special respect in its time in Versailles, where several varieties were bred. Today, this flower is most often used to decorate the bedroom, as it is believed to give masculine strength. Experts advise to pay attention to this interesting flora object for those who often “hover in the clouds” - the vriezia flower will help to focus on more practical aspects of life.
Vriezia splenriet
The plant came to Europe from the American continent. Here it is known as an epiphyte that grows in the forests of Central and South America. In total, there are more than 250 varieties of it in the world, and only half of them are known as domestic crops.
Two types have gained particular popularity among florists - vriezia splenriet and brilliant vriezia. They are most adapted to domestic cultivation and are hybrid forms of this crop.
The plant has long, pointed leaves collected in a basal rosette. Their height can reach 50 cm. The color of the leaves is olive green with light green transverse stripes.
Culture blooms all year round. After flowering, the peduncle completely dies, but before that the vriezia has time to release a new shoot. The flower is rich orange or red, reminiscent of a firebird's feather.
Interesting! The culture got its name in honor of the Dutch botanist V. da Vriez.
Description of appearance
In vriezia, like in most of the bromeliad family, the leaves form a rosette. In nature, it is designed to collect moisture. The funnel collects rainwater (up to 4.5 liters). Therefore, the exotic beauty has another name. It is sometimes called the "vase plant".
The length of the arched leaves, 4-8 cm wide, ranges from 20-80 cm. They are both monochromatic and variegated in color with pronounced stripes and spots.
On a high peduncle, sometimes reaching 1 m, multi-flowered inflorescences are formed, similar to an ear with bracts of different colors.
Interesting to know. The flowers are short-lived, and the bright bracts delight the eye for months.
After flowering, a fruit is born - a box with seeds inside.
Vriezia is characterized by weak roots. The liquid and nutrients necessary for life support come to it from the leaf funnel.
General information
In the genus of culture, there are about two hundred and fifty varieties, many of which, thanks to their bright, unusual inflorescences, are grown as indoor plants.
Vriezia got its name in 1843 in honor of Willem de Vries, who was engaged in flora research and discovered this plant species.
As mentioned above, Vriezia began to be grown at home due to its decorative effect, noted during the flowering period. However, even after the bright, spiky inflorescences have faded, the plant does not lose its attractiveness, thanks to the glossy, dark green leaf plates with or without patterns, depending on the variety.
Even a novice florist can grow Vriezia as a home flower, the main thing is to follow all the rules for caring for the plant, and then it will delight with its decorative qualities for more than one year.
Types of vriezia
In nature, there are up to 250 of its species, and growers grow close to 150 varieties. They are divided into 2 groups: with the same type of leaves and variegated.
Representatives of the first group:
- Have vriese mix leaves of bright green color. The inflorescences are like a bouquet created by a skilled florist. For a long time, the picturesque appearance remains.
- Keeled vriezia so named because of the formed bracts. It ends with a sharp keel of a bright red hue framed with a yellow or green stripe. Its wide, tongue-shaped leaf plates (up to 3.2 centimeters) reach a length of 27 cm. Faintly distinguishable scales are visible on them. The color of the leaves ranges from light green to yellowish green. Peduncle height - up to 35 centimeters. It blooms in June-July and November-December.
- Elan variety differs in originality - bract branching, color change from light red to dark red. Blooms when certain conditions are created.
Vriezia with uniform leaves
Among the variegated varieties, one can distinguish:
- Best suited for home breeding - Vriezia Splendensmeaning Beautiful or Shiny. It was bred by breeding. She has few leaves in the funnel. They are harsh. Both sides are covered with scales. In length they grow up to 0.8 m. On leaf plates of dark green color, dark purple stripes are visible, located across. Therefore, the plant is also called "Tiger Vriezia". Flowering time is February and from May to July.
- Hieroglyphic vriezia belong to the most beautiful varieties. It was so named due to the bizarre pattern on the leaf plates. They show yellow spots, similar to the Latin letter V. Arcuate leaves up to 8 centimeters wide end with a pointed tip. They stretch up to 75 cm in length. The shape of the inflorescence is a panicle up to 0.5 m high. Florists are attracted by this variety because of its unpretentious cultivation and unusual color. Although it is not always possible to achieve flowering in the house.
- Have Sanders varieties belt-shaped leaf plates grow up to 5 cm wide and up to 30 cm long. The rosette is rather high (up to 0.6 m). On the upper side of the sheet, ash-colored scales are visible, below - dashes and specks of brown. Flowering occurs in October-December. Its peculiarity is susceptibility to fungal diseases and mold.
Variegated vriezia
The next item is watering
Taking care of Vrieseia at home is not as difficult as it seems. It should be watered during it, but in moderation. In summer, it is best to water it at least three times a week, both the soil itself and pour water into the outlet. The soil should not dry out.
Excess moisture from the outlet can be removed with a napkin. In winter, the soil of Vriezia should be neither wet nor dry. Watering should be done no more than once a week.
You can also pour water into the outlet, but only for a few hours, after which you will need to soak it out with a napkin.
From time to time, it is necessary to regulate the humidity of the air by spraying the leaves of the flower with infused water, especially in the hot season.
Care advice
Before settling this exotic flower in an apartment, you should familiarize yourself with the rules for caring for it. After all, each plant has its own preferences.
Lighting
The first question that arises is how to choose a place for its location. She feels good on window sills or near windows in the western or eastern parts of the house. It is important to create diffused light for her so that on summer days she is not under direct sunlight. You can protect it with blinds, light tulle. Morning and afternoon rays have a positive effect on the flowering process. In winter, it can be moved to the southern window, but try to protect it from the influence of heating devices. She feels pretty good in the kitchen.
Vriezias love airing. She does not tolerate drafts.
In the summer, she is taken out to the balcony, veranda. Choose a corner shaded from the sun. Good to know. Bright light affects its appearance - inflorescences and leaves acquire a faded appearance, lose their decorative effect, the pattern disappears.
In partial shade, the placement of varieties of vriezia with dark leaves is allowed. They can be placed in the back of the room.
Watering
Vriezia requires systematic but moderate watering. For her, there is a peculiar way of supplying moisture. In the spring and summer, it is watered directly into the outlet formed from the leaves.
There are no special requirements for the procedure. The main thing is not to water with water from the water supply system, since it contains chlorine and fluorine. They have a destructive effect on the roots of this plant.
If it is not possible to use rain and melt water, then settled water should be used.
Helpful advice. In the summer, change the water in the funnel once every 3-5 days, do not let it stagnate. Use paper towels to remove any remaining moisture. Make sure that grains of soil do not clog the outlet.
Watering Vriezia into the outlet
The frequency of watering in the warm season is once every 2 days. In addition to filling the outlet with water in the heat, the soil in the pot and the leaves are periodically moistened from a spray bottle. The pot should not be left in a tray with water residues. It should be drained.
The duration of flowering is reduced in cases of moisture ingress on the bracts.
In winter, the watering procedure is slightly different:
- When the temperature in the room drops below 20 ° C, the water from the outlet is completely removed. This avoids the appearance of a fungal infection. If the room is warmer, then the outlet is filled with water for several hours a day, and then it is still drained and blotted with a napkin. Phlegm and cold are harmful to tropical plants.
- The regularity of watering is reduced to 1-2 times a week.
It's important to know. During the formation and active growth of inflorescences, do not fill the outlet with water. They can just rot.During this time, supply the plants with moisture by spraying the leaves and moisturizing the substrate.
Filling the pallet with wet pebbles or expanded clay helps to maintain the necessary moisture.
Content temperature
Despite the fact that Vriezia is a thermophilic plant, it does not tolerate heat. Ambient air temperatures in excess of 27 ° C can be detrimental to her. It is desirable to maintain a constant year-round temperature regime - 18-25 ° C. In winter, the conditions of detention change somewhat, a decrease to 15-16 ° C is allowed, but not lower.
How to properly feed
The main rules for feeding:
- It is produced outside by root, that is, by spraying the leaves or adding fertilizers when watering into an outlet. Weak roots of vriezia do not absorb useful elements.
- It is allowed to use universal fertilizers for flowering and decorative deciduous plants, for orchids, but their concentration should be reduced by 3-4 times.
- The regularity of the procedure during the period of active growth - no more than 2 times a month. Even once every 3 weeks is enough.
In winter, feeding should not be carried out.
It's important to know. The plant does not like fertilizers containing copper, boron and calcium. It is important to pay attention to the nitrogen content in them. It should be lowered.
This species of the bromeliad family does not require much feeding. The main thing is to support the flower before flowering.
Table: conditions necessary for a plant depending on the season
| Season | Shine | Humidity | Temperature |
| Spring Summer | Lighting is needed bright, but diffused. Shade out of direct sunlight during the day. | Air humidity is high (70-80%). In a dry room, spray at least twice a day, and in hot periods the number of sprays should be 3 times. To create humid conditions, place the flowerpot on a pallet with damp expanded clay or sphagnum moss. Wipe the leaf blades periodically with a damp cloth. | The optimum temperature is 24–26 ° C (the maximum allowable temperature is 32 ° C). Does not tolerate sudden temperature changes. |
| Autumn winter | Vriezia does not have a pronounced rest period, therefore, bright and diffused lighting is also required. | Spray once a day. When the temperature drops, stop humidification completely. If located near radiators, place an electric humidifier next to the flower. | The temperature in winter is 18–22 ° C. It does not tolerate coolness; at temperatures below 15 ° C, the flower may die. To avoid this, additional heating is required. |
Planting and transplanting
Vriezia should not be transplanted often. Since her roots are weak, she does not like transplantation. But there are a number of times when this is necessary. For example, after buying a discounted plant in a store.
It is important to know the rules for performing this procedure. Consider the issues of choosing the right pot, substrate.
These flowers are planted in ceramic and plastic containers. Most flower growers prefer ceramic pots. Their advantages:
- They are better resistant. Plastic containers can turn over when the plant grows a bulky, heavy leaf funnel.
- Flowers in ceramic pots look more decorative.
One of the planting options - a plant planted in a plastic container is installed in a ceramic pots. But then you need to pay attention so that no water remains in the pots after watering.
Another recommendation for choosing a pot is that it should be extended upward. But it may not be high. Its volume is selected in accordance with the size of the root system.
Pot selection
It's important to know. Do not use planting containers without drainage holes.
The second important point is the use of a substrate that meets the requirements:
- slightly acidic medium - pH 6-6.5;
- looseness, water permeability;
- nutritional value.
The easiest way is to use purchased soil designed for planting bromeliads and orchids. The prepared mixture should include:
- light turf and leafy soil;
- high-moor peat;
- sand;
- pine bark.
Its quality is improved by the addition of sphagnum moss and charcoal.
Mature plants need replanting every 3-5 years after flowering. Young bushes are planted until they are about to bloom.
But what about the purchased flower in the store? Most often, the plants there are sold in soil intended for transportation, which is not a good alternative for Vriese. The correct decision - after passing through adaptation for 2 weeks, the plant is changed the soil, that is, it is transplanted.
It is undesirable to disturb the blooming vriezia - it is better to wait for the end of flowering and the birth of new children. Although in some cases it is necessary to transplant it in such circumstances in order to save it from death.
The optimal time for transplanting is spring or early summer. During this period, she is in a phase of active development.
The work is performed step by step:
- Drainage is placed in a pot with holes on the bottom. It protects the roots from water stagnation. To do this, use a variety of materials: pieces of brick, granulated slag, expanded clay, foam fragments.
- The charcoal added to the drainage (if it was not included in the prepared substrate) protects the plant from disease damage in case of oversaturation of moisture and acidification of the soil.
- Drainage is covered with a layer of soil.
- We know that the roots of Vriezia are weak. Therefore, remove it from the pot carefully. The old soil is shaken off.
- The plant is lowered into a prepared container and sprinkled with a substrate, not forgetting to tap on the edges of the pot to distribute it evenly.
- Pour into a funnel and remove to a warm place with good lighting.
Vriezia transplant
It's important to know. Make sure not to burrow the socket into the ground. Otherwise, it may rot.
Common varieties
About 130 varieties are grown under indoor conditions. They can be classified by leaf type - plants with solid or striped leaves.
With plain leaves
Royal
This is a real giant that grows in tropical forests. The height of the leaves reaches 1 meter. Therefore, it is impossible to grow it in an apartment. A greenhouse is best suited for plant growth and development. The flower of the royal vriezia is red in color, resembles a broomstick.
Vriezia royal
Mix
Vriezia mix is especially loved by florists due to the variety of bright colors of flowers - from hot yellow to deep red. This plant resembles a bouquet and is perfect for a gift for the spring holidays, given the fact that it begins to bloom just in the spring.
Vriezia mix
With striped leaves
Sanders
This variety will decorate any home. Large leaves form a rich bush. The flower is bright yellow, has a twig structure.
Vriezia Sanders
Shiny (lovely)
This variety is characterized by large leaves of a rich green color with transverse light green stripes, as well as a spikelet flower that reaches a height of 70 cm. An interesting feature of this species is that only the Vriezia flower can smell shiny.
Vriezia brilliant
Giant (mosaic, chess)
An interesting feature of this variety is the presence of white mosaic-type spots on bright green leaves. They seem to create a kind of mysterious pattern and thereby enhance the decorative properties of the plant.
Vriezia giant (mosaic, chess)
There are two types of Splendens Viesia - the Beautiful and the Big Beautiful. Both of these species are similar in morphological characteristics, differing only in the size of the leaves and flowers.
The decorative properties of Vriezia allow it to be used to decorate residential and business premises. The variety of species of this plant will help create real comfort in the house.An original solution would be to decorate a small path from vases with vriezia in the corridor - bright yellow and red flowers will immediately revive the atmosphere of even a very gloomy area of the house.
Reproduction methods
The most acceptable method even for a novice grower is reproduction by children.
The flowering is over. The bract fades. Newbies are immediately scared that the plant has died. But this is not the case. Babies begin to grow from the axils of the leaves next to the main outlet. Depending on the state of the plant, there are 1-5 of them. The mother plant withers and the babies grow.
The main thing is not to rush to put them away. Their size should be at least ⅓-½ of the mother bush. At this time, their own root system grows. The period of full growth and development of processes lasts 1-2 years. The early separation of the shoots reduces the likelihood of rooting.
The substrate is prepared from leafy soil, sand, bark of pine trees, sphagnum moss in a ratio of 3: 1: 1: 1.
The sequence of work when transplanting children:
- The bush is carefully taken out of the pot, shaken off the soil from the roots.
- With a sharp tool, cut off the process from the main bush.
- Places of cuts are treated with crushed activated carbon. Give time (up to a day) for them to dry.
- The children are planted in a prepared pot with drainage and soil.
The second important factor is to ensure the maintenance of a constant temperature of the content - 23-26 ° C and high humidity. This is achieved by creating greenhouse conditions for a period of 3-4 weeks - covering with a cellophane bag or in another way. The greenhouse is not opened immediately. Little by little, the plant is accustomed to the conditions of the natural environment by airing, each time increasing their duration.
With impeccable care, you can achieve flowering of vriezia, propagated by children, after 3 years.
The method of growing from seeds at home is rarely used. Most often it is used in greenhouses. Disadvantage of this method:
- labor intensity;
- longevity, sometimes you have to wait up to 5-10 years for the moment of flowering;
- it is not always possible to get seeds on your own;
- the new plant does not retain maternal traits.
Reproduction of Vriezia by shoots of Vriezia after flowering
How to separate and transplant babies vriezii photo
Your vriezia has faded and you don't know what to do? It's simple: take care of the plant in the usual way until its children grow up and the mother plant begins to die. If you do not need seeds, it is better to remove the faded arrow immediately so that it does not take away strength from the flower. When the children begin to compare in height with the uterine bush, it is time to start dividing and seating the children.
The easiest way to propagate Vrieseia is by shoots taken from the mother plant after flowering. They are very carefully separated along with the roots and transplanted into small pots. From the moment of separation, the temperature of 24 degrees and high humidity are maintained for 3 weeks.
How to separate children in a photo
You can place containers with babies in a translucent plastic bag, leaving a small hole at the top for ventilation. Usually, the shoots are separated from the dead rosette when they reach 1/3 of its height. It is better if it is a warm season, when the daylight hours are long. If it is necessary to separate the children in winter, then for successful rooting, a long daylight hours should be organized using a fluorescent lamp and bottom heating.
Reproduction of vriezia photo
Rooting is slow, do not be afraid: Vriezia very slowly restores the root system, you just need to wait and not be zealous with watering, so as not to provoke rotting.
How to transplant babies vriezii photo
Planted children feel great without watering, it is enough sometimes to pour a small amount of water into the outlet, checking how the plant reacts.Avoid excess moisture, but also do not overdry the soil so that delicate roots can easily break through into the substrate. The problem of light humidification can be solved with a conventional spray gun. Just spray the soil until it is lightly moistened, noticing that it has dried out.
Care errors
Close observation of the appearance of your pet will help you avoid many troubles. Let's dwell on common mistakes:
- Placing the plant in direct sunlight results in light brown spots on the leaves. It is enough just to shade it and the problem can be avoided.
- When using water from the mains, the tips of the leaves may dry out, the appearance of brown spots. Lack of water in the funnel leads to the same consequences.
- The plant rots in the presence of excess moisture in the substrate and stagnant water in the outlet.
- Lack of light, moisture, warmth and ethylene affects flowering. It doesn't start. To increase the level of ethylene, slices of ripe apples and bananas are placed near the pot. Cover them together with cellophane. Ethylene excreted by the fruit accelerates flowering.
- In a cold apartment or dry environment, the growth of vriezia slows down.
- A short flowering period is possible when water gets on the bracts.
- The decorative effect of leaves and inflorescences is lost in insufficient lighting.
A frequent question from newbies about post-flowering care. Practitioners recommend cutting off the dried peduncle and waiting for the appearance of children. In the future, they can be planted or left in the same pot.
Optimal home conditions for Vriezia - table
| Factor | Optimal conditions |
| Lighting |
|
| Location | Place the pot on the sill of an east, southeast, or west facing window. This will protect the plant from the brightest sun during the day and get enough light. |
| Temperature |
|
| Humidity |
|
How to form a bromeliad tree from Vriese
Do you want to surprise your friends and acquaintances? Move away from the standard - growing vriezia in pots or planters. Create a tree out of it. Indeed, in nature, she calmly exists on snags. Using this fact, it is not at all difficult to do this.
Vriezia tree
For the development and existence of Vriezia, the fact of the presence of land is not important.
It is enough to prepare a branch or snag and fasten it tightly in any suitable container. This is achieved using plaster, stones or even polyurethane foam. The roots of Vriezia are cleaned of an earthen coma, wrapped in sphagnum moss and tied to the structure with fishing line or thin wire. Over time, it will grow to the bark and feed from there.
Further care consists in filling the leaf funnel with water and spraying on the moss.Sometimes the plant is detached, immersed in water, taken out and attached to the same place.
What diseases and pests should be feared
Waterlogging of the soil leads to the appearance of fungal diseases. Fight against them by spraying with fungicides.
Vriezia diseases - spots on the leaves
If you see twisted, tarnished leaves, then look for a scabbard. It, together with the larvae, is removed with a cotton swab, or with a brush dipped in soapy water. From folk remedies, infusions of onion peels and garlic arrows are often used. Then they are treated with chemicals (actellik, actara).
The mealybug is identified by the secretions covering the leaf plates with a continuous film. The plant's growth slows down, decorativeness is lost. The methods of fighting are the same as with the scabbard.
The formation of a thin cobweb on the leaves, and then brown spots, say that a spider mite has settled. You can get rid of it by treating it with insecticidal soap or a solution of phosbacide, decis.
Aphids are fought with actellic and celtan solutions.
Signs and superstitions about Vriese
Bright vriezia with powerful strong leaves symbolizes confidence and purity of thoughts, attracts success, fame, recognition, contributing to the comprehensive development of the owner's personality, helps to get rid of excessive conservatism. Perfectly cleans the air in the room from dust and many harmful substances, humidifying it.
- Vriezia has an active powerful energy that charges others with cheerfulness and love of life, suppresses monotony and monotony.
- Promotes the development of intuition, delicate taste, self-confidence, stimulates the search for new solutions, gives an impetus to the development of abilities.
- It is believed that vriezia, placed in the bedroom by the bed, is an aphrodisiac that stimulates male potency.
- It is worth settling this slightly capricious beauty at home, as you will notice many positive changes in your life. And the unusual view captivates once and for all the hearts of lovers.
