{"product_id":"flaming-sword-bromeliad-vriesea-astrid","title":"Vriesea 'Astrid' - Flaming Sword Bromeliad","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis Bromeliad's stunning flower spikes make it eye catching in any plant display. Each plant will bloom once in its life cycle, and the blooms will last for several months before dying back. The plant will also produce pups to the side, which can be potted on once they are big enough and will put on their own flowering shows. In this way it's a bit like a phoenix in plant form! Its explosion of glossy green foliage contrasts with the Astrid's bright red-pink flower spikes, making it an ideal gift for a showy, low-maintenance houseplant - whether that's a gift to a loved one or to yourself! Just make sure the recipient knows to keep the centre of the foliage topped up with water, which will keep the plant happy and hydrated throughout its life cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eVriesea \u003c\/em\u003e‘Astrid’ (Vriese' plant, hybrid species, cultivar: Astrid)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis plant is in the genus Vriesea, likely a hybrid of two species in the genus. The genus is named for Dutch botanist Willem Hendrik de Vriese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFlaming Sword Bromeliad, Vriesea ‘Astrid’, Vriesea Multiflower Astrid.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to tropical rainforests in Central and South America.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light levels but may not flower as readily. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWater directly into the central 'goblet' or cup formed by the rosette of leaves, keeping it topped up with fresh water. Empty and refill the tank every couple of weeks to prevent stagnation. Let the top third of soil dry out between waters; it will need even less frequent watering in shadier spots.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant loves higher humidity and will benefit from the introduction of a pebble tray; by topping up the well in the centre, you will also help it to maintain a good level of humidity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIn its natural habitat, this plant is an epiphyte (grows on trees), so a soil with added bark, such as a blend designed for Anthuriums or Orchids will work well here. Repot every few years if you would like to, although this isn't strictly necessary.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemp\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIdeal temperature range is between 15-30°C. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 12°C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes, this plant is generally safe for pets, but it can cause mild stomach upsets so this is best for pets that don't generally nibble plants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep the 'well' of water in the centre of the foliage topped up, and otherwise don't let the soil sit soggy. When the plant produces its pups, wait until they are around one third the size of the parent plant before potting them out; at this point they're ready to grow up and move out! The parent plant will die after this, but the DNA will be carried forward by the pups.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":44929792606461,"sku":"5998375623171","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/flaming-sword-bromeliad-vriesea-astrid-587072.jpg?v=1713291212","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/flaming-sword-bromeliad-vriesea-astrid","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}