Sparkle
ActiveVriesea Lindl. · Vriesea
Nicolaas D.M. Steur^^^Elly Bak
Variety traits
Vriesea flower spike
Vriesea Lindl.
The Vriesea flower spike is a key ornamental organ and a metric indicator of quality, with its length varying from 13 cm in compact forms to 2 m in large species.
In the reference 4 varieties crop Vriesea, where this is mentioned in the description.
In agronomic practice, the length of the flower spike is measured in centimeters from the base of the leaf rosette to the beginning of the inflorescence. This indicator directly affects the commercial value of the plant: an optimally formed flower spike should rise above the rosette, creating the characteristic decorative "sword" effect without the need for additional supports.
The variability of the flower spike length is determined by the species: compact forms reach 13–35 cm, whereas large-sized species, such as Vriesea imperialis, can grow up to 2 meters. For cut-flower forms of Vriesea, for example V. incurvata, the target length of the flower spike at harvest is considered to be 40 cm or more.
The flower spike determines the duration of the ornamental period, as the bright bracts maintain their turgor and coloration for several months. In industrial production, the condition of the flower spike is evaluated based on criteria of loss of brightness and wilting, and to stimulate its initiation and development, ethylene treatment and the application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are used.
General information about the subject — on the page Peduncle.
Varieties of Vriesea mentioned in the description
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.