Vriesea delicatula

Vriesea delicatula originates from a very small distribution area around the village of São Bento de Urânia, near the small town of Alfredo Chaves in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. It reaches a diameter of only about 20 cm and a height of about 20 cm.

It grows epiphytically, mostly on the branches of large rainforest trees. Its roots cling firmly to the bark. However, it is not parasitic and does not draw nutrients from its host tree. The contrasting, finely striped light and dark green leaves form a rather loose, upright rosette and create a watertight funnel in its center; it is a so-called "tank bromeliad." In nature, rainwater and leaves collect in this funnel, and numerous animals and microorganisms use this water reservoir, for example, frogs for their tadpoles, mosquitoes for their larvae, and many more. Through the activity of these animals and microorganisms, the leaves that have fallen into the funnel decompose, and the Vriesea absorbs the waste products as nutrients. In this way, it is always well supplied with water and nutrients.

Particularly striking features of V. delicatula are its broadened leaf bases and loose growth habit, which allows it to collect a large amount of water. This makes it especially attractive to poison dart frogs as a refuge and breeding ground, particularly for smaller species from the genera Ranitomeya or Oophaga .

When it's large enough (from about 15 cm in diameter), a spectacular, pink to red, often branched flower spike grows from the center of the funnel, reaching up to 20 cm in height. Numerous drooping yellow flowers appear on it, creating a wonderful display of color. The flowers are surprisingly large for such a small bromeliad!

You will receive a young plant in a 5cm round pot. Perfect for mounting or planting in a terrarium.