Red Chestnut
English name:
Red ChestnutLatin name:
Vriesea FosterianaAbout me:
I'm a South American bromeliad, prized for my warm, patterned foliage. My curved fronds come out green but deepen into a rich maroon (or chestnut) colour. Each one is marked by a soft-edged creamy line.Useful to know:
Origin
Red chestnut is native to southern and central America.
Height/Growth
I grow slowly and can eventually reach around 30cms in height.
Light
I do not like direct sunlight as this could burn my leaves. Keep me in indirect light: if I don't get enough light, the patterns on my leaves will fade.
Water
I draw nutrients and moisture from my central well, and not through my roots, which are only there to keep me in place.
Temperature
I am not very fussy but keep me in a room above 12°C, please.
Feeding
During the growing (April till October) feed me once a month using a diluted, acidic fertiliser.
Grooming
I don't have a super long life but I will produce pups easily. When these are 10-15cm high, you can repot them by gently pulling them out of the soil and cutting cleanly where necessary. 1/2 potting soil; 1/2 orchid bark is ideal.
Care
I am fairly temperature tolerant but keep me away from strong draughts
Toxicity
I am not toxic, so should be safe around pets and children, but that doesn't mean eat me up!
Fact
I am an epiphyte (I grow on other plants without harming them).
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