Vriesea Favorite - Flaming sword plant

Vriesea 'Favoriet' (or Favorite) is a houseplant with a strikingly exotic charm. Its striped leaves form a sculptural rosette, while its proud inflorescence displays beautiful floral bracts in a vibrant orange-yellow hue. Highly decorative in a bright living room, shielded from direct sunlight, this bromeliad will be the pride of all enthusiasts of unique plants.

Vriesea 'Favorite' is a hybrid cultivar belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. It originates from the species Vriesea splendens, an emblematic plant of the genus, known for its striped foliage and spectacular inflorescences. This cultivar was developed by Exotic Plant and introduced around 1995. With a slow growth rate, Vriesea 'Favoriet' reaches a height of 30 to 50 cm and a spread of about 30 cm at maturity. It develops a compact rosette, formed of lanceolate and smooth, dark green leaves, accentuated by broad, almost white transverse bands. These leaves, which can measure between 30 and 50 cm in length, create a beautiful setting for the upright inflorescences. The flowering, which may occur in late winter or summer, is in the form of flat spikes composed of vividly coloured bracts and small, discreet tubular flowers. It remains decorative for many weeks. Indoors, Vriesea 'Favoriet' thrives in bright but filtered light, protected from direct sunlight, which could scorch its foliage. It prefers moderate to high ambient humidity, reminiscent of the tropical conditions of its native habitat. The ideal temperature ranges between 18 and 24°C.

The Vriesea genus includes over 250 species native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. Vriesea splendens, the parent species of the 'Favoriet' cultivar, is indigenous to the humid forests of the Amazon region, where it grows as an epiphytic plant. It clings to tree trunks and branches, absorbing water and nutrients from the air and rainfall, while benefiting from the shade filtered by the canopy. The genus name Vriesea pays tribute to the Dutch botanist Willem Hendrik de Vriese (1806-1862), recognised for his contributions to botany and the study of tropical plants.

Create an exotic scene by pairing Vriesea 'Favoriet' with other bromeliads such as Guzmania 'Luna' with its bright yellow tones or Aechmea fasciata 'Primera', a variety of "Silver Vase" with silvery foliage that produces a pink inflorescence. Together, these plants create a rich tropical palette.