Rainforest Flora, Inc. is thrilled to introduce its own special form of arguably the most sought after bromeliad of all, Vriesea imperialis. This exquisite giant is native to Brazil where it grows high on the sides of cliffs. I have seen specimens over two meters in width and height with an inflorescence of five meters! For most of us mortals, however, we can expect to grow the plants well over a meter in width and height with an inflorescence of close to three meters.

The plants we offer grow well in any garden or patio with bright , filtered light where it doesn't freeze. They will get larger over a period of three to eight years and then they will bloom. During this time they will normally produce a number of offsets. They do not produce offsets once they begin to bloom. The blooming cycle begins in Spring and will last until mid to late fall. It is a huge, spectacular, long-lasting inflorescence. Hummingbirds love to pollinate this plant (in Nature, it is bat pollinated).

We have the green form (green on both leaf surfaces), the red form (red on the underside of the leaf), and our NEW form which we have dubbed 'Rainforest Red' that is red on both leaf surfaces.

We have all three varieties in limited availability and they are offered in two sizes. The plants in the first category are approximately 12" to 16" wide and 9" high. The green form and the red and green form are $25 each. The Vriesea imperialis 'Rainforest Red' is $35. The larger size is between 16" and 24" wide and 12" high. These are $45 and the 'Rainforest Red' is $65. The time it takes to grow from the smaller size to the larger size is approximately one year.

Plants are normally shipped bareroot. They can be potted in any fast-draining soil mix.

Paul's personal Vriesea imperialis specimen.

Vriesea imperialis growing in shade area at Rainforest Flora, Inc.'s Torrance, CA facility.