The Flaming Sword plant, Vriesea splendens, captures attention with its vibrant, sword-shaped flower spikes and striking foliage. Many indoor gardeners cherish this plant. When its vibrant bloom fades, it can concern enthusiasts. However, this is a natural part of its life cycle, signaling new growth.
The Natural Life Cycle of Your Flaming Sword Plant
Flaming Sword plants are monocarpic, meaning they flower only once before the main plant gradually declines. This is common among many bromeliads, where energy redirects after flowering. The plant typically takes three to five years to reach maturity and produce its iconic flower spike. The vibrant spike, primarily bright red bracts with small yellow tubular flowers, can persist for several months.
Once the flowering period concludes and the bracts begin to lose color, it signals the completion of its reproductive phase. The dying flower is a natural progression, indicating the plant is shifting its energy. This energy redirects towards producing new offsets, or “pups,” ensuring the species’ continuation. The parent plant will slowly decline after this stage.
Managing the Spent Flower Stalk
Once the bloom has ended and the stalk dries and turns brown, remove it. Removing the spent flower stalk tidies the plant and allows it to focus energy on producing new offsets.
To remove the stalk, use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears. Cut the stalk as close to the base of the plant as possible, taking care not to damage surrounding foliage or any emerging pups. While it doesn’t directly cause pup development, removing the stalk eliminates decaying material, contributing to a healthier environment for new growth.
The Emergence of New Pups
After the flower declines, the parent plant typically produces “pups,” or offsets, around its base. These pups are genetic clones, representing the next generation. They appear as small, miniature versions, emerging from the base or leaf axils.
Pups typically emerge a few weeks to several months after the flower fades. This allows the parent plant to channel resources into developing new growths. Observing these offsets signifies the successful completion of the parent plant’s life cycle and the promise of future blooms.
Caring for Your New Flaming Sword Pups
Propagating your Flaming Sword plant involves knowing when to separate pups. Pups are ready for separation when they reach one-third to one-half the parent plant’s size, typically 5 to 8 inches (13-20 cm) tall. At this size, they have developed enough roots for independent support.
To separate a pup, carefully remove the parent plant from its pot to expose the base and root system. Using a sharp, sterile knife, cut the pup away from the mother plant, ensuring some roots are attached.
After separation, pot each pup into a small container, around 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter, with good drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a specialized bromeliad mix, orchid potting soil, or a blend of peat moss and perlite or fir bark. Do not pack the soil too firmly; bromeliads prefer loose, airy media. Plant the pup shallowly, just enough to cover roots and stabilize it, preventing rotting at the base.
For initial care, place the newly potted pups in a location with bright, indirect light. Maintain consistent warmth (70-80°F / 21-27°C). Keep the central cup, or “tank,” filled with fresh, room-temperature water, changing it every two weeks to prevent stagnation. Mist foliage regularly or place pots on a pebble tray for high humidity.
Maintaining the Parent Plant
Once the flower dies and pups emerge, the parent plant’s role shifts to nourishing its offspring. The parent plant gradually declines as energy diverts to supporting new growths. Continue basic care for the parent during this period to sustain developing pups.
Maintain the parent plant in bright, indirect light and continue to keep its central cup filled with fresh water. Adequate humidity benefits both the parent and pups. The parent plant slowly shrivels and dies back over several months, usually within a year. Once pups are mature enough to be separated, and the parent plant has visibly withered, it can be discarded.