Vriesea hieroglyphica explained

Vriesea hieroglyphica is a plant species in the genus Vriesea.

The name refers to the linear horizontal patterns on the leaves that resemble hieroglyphs. It has been nicknamed "King of the bromeliads."^[1]

Distribution

This bromeliad species is endemic to southeastern Brazil.

It grows at low altitudes in humid conditions under the shade of trees in the Atlantic Forest biome (Mata Atlantica Brasileira).^[2]

Description

Vriesea hieroglyphica develops green leaves with irregular dark cross banding and recurved tips. The plant develops 30-40 shiny, bright green leaves measuring 3feet long and 3 inches wide.

It typically blooms in spring, and can bloom repeatedly in cultivation, with branching yellow, cream, or white flowers on a tall branched spike. The tall, light green flower spike "bears a branched inflorescence with 1-inch-long, pale green bracts and dull yellow-petaled flowers." ^[3]

The variety Vriesea hieroglyphica var. Marginata has broad cream−ivory colored bands on the leaves.

Cultivation

The distinctive leaf markings make Vriesea hieroglyphica a popular ornamental plant cultivated for gardening and commercial floristry uses, including as an interior landscape−house plants, potted outdoor plants, and planted in gardens in suitable climates.^[4]

Outdoors it can be grown from light to full shade, and is rated for USDA Zone 10 (min 30 °F) and up. Indoors, it is usually grown with a northern exposure and assured humidity.^[5]

Cultivars and hybrids

Garden cultivars of Vriesea hieroglyphica, and hybrids with other Vriesea species, include:^[6]

• Vriesea 'After Glow'
• Vriesea 'El Supremo'
• Vriesea 'Elvira'
• Vriesea 'Gigant Jade'
• Vriesea 'Glossy Girl'
• Vriesea 'Grand Purple'
• Vriesea 'Hawaiian Sunrise'
• Vriesea 'Intermedia'
• Vriesea 'Jungle Jade'
• Vriesea 'Leverett's Delight'
• Vriesea 'Machu Picchu'
• Vriesea 'Madame Morobe'
• Vriesea 'Maureen'
• Vriesea 'Montezuma's Gem'
• Vriesea 'Pamela Leaver'
• Vriesea 'Patrice'
• Vriesea 'Shizuko Murakami'
• Vriesea 'Yellow Wave'
• Vriesea 'You Beaut'

External links

• Dave's Garden Blog: Vriesea hieroglyphica − King of the Bromeliads — horticulture info + images.

Notes and References

1. Book: Padilla, Victoria. Bromeliads. 1973. Crown Publishers. New York. 0517562413. 104.
2. Martinelli . Gustavo . Vieira . Cláudia Magalhães . Gonzalez . Marcos . Leitman . Paula . Piratininga . Andréa . Costa . Andrea Ferreira da . Forzza . Rafaela Campostrini . Bromeliaceae da Mata Atlântica Brasileira: lista de espécies, distribuição e conservação . Rodriguésia . January 2008 . 59 . 1 . 209–258 . 23499386 . 10.1590/2175-7860200859114 . Bromeliaceae of the brazilian Atlantic Forest: checklist, distribution and conservation . pt-BR. free .
3. Book: Padilla, Victoria. Bromeliads. 1973. Crown Publishers. New York. 0517562413. 104.
4. Book: Rauh, Werner. Bromeliads For Home, Garden and Greenhouses. 1979. Nlandford Press Ltd.. 071370845X. 349.
5. Book: Kramer, Jack. Bromeliads The Colorful House Plants. 1976. Litton Educational Publishing, Inc.. 0-442-24518-1. 90; 100.
6. http://www.bsi.org/brom_info/cultivar/bcr.html BSI Cultivar Registry: Vriesea hieroglyphica cultivars and hybrids