A bold and beautifully structured bromeliad, Vriesea ‘Twinkle’ is known for its long-lasting, sword-like flower spike in brilliant shades of red and pink. Beneath the bloom, its bright green rosette of leaves adds fresh texture and a tropical feel. This epiphytic plant is surprisingly easy to care for – it draws moisture through its central tank, not its roots, and thrives in bright rooms with minimal fuss. A perfect choice for adding a splash of colour and drama to your indoor space.
Scientific Name
Vriesea ‘Twinkle’ (named after Willem Hendrik de Vriese, Dutch botanist)
Vriesea is a genus in the Bromeliaceae family, first named in honour of Dutch botanist W.H. de Vriese in the 19th century. ‘Twinkle’ is a cultivated hybrid bred for compact size and striking floral display.
Common Name(s)
Flaming Sword Bromeliad, Vriesea ‘Twinkle’
Origin
Hybrid cultivar – parent species are native to Central and South America, especially Brazil and surrounding rainforest regions.
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Too little light can result in faded colours or a lack of flowering, but direct sun may scorch the leaves.
Water
Water into the centre of the rosette (the “tank”) rather than the soil. Refresh the water every 1–2 weeks, and flush out occasionally to prevent stagnant build-up. Keep the soil very lightly moist, but never soggy.
Humidity
Appreciates higher humidity – aim for 50–60% if possible. Mist occasionally or group with other plants. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or near a humidifier.
Soil
Use a well-draining, airy potting mix – a blend for orchids or epiphytes works well. You can also mix bark chips and perlite into regular houseplant compost for drainage. Ensure the pot has good aeration.
Food
Feed monthly during the growing season with a very diluted liquid houseplant or bromeliad fertiliser. Avoid pouring feed directly into the tank – mist diluted feed onto leaves or water into the soil.
Temp
Prefers temperatures between 18–26°C. Avoid temperatures below 12°C and protect from cold draughts or sudden chills.
Pet-safe
Yes – non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
Sprouts Top Tips
After flowering, the mother plant will eventually fade, but she’ll usually produce one or more “pups” at her base. Once the pups are around one-third the size of the original, you can carefully divide and repot them to grow new flaming swords!
Extras
The bright, sculptural flower spike can last for 2–5 months with the right care. This makes it a brilliant long-lasting alternative to cut flowers or more demanding blooming plants.
Did You Know?
In their native habitat, bromeliads like Vriesea grow on trees rather than in soil, collecting rainwater and debris in their central cups. This adaptation allows them to thrive in the upper canopy of rainforests, where light is bright but filtered.
