QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
My Vriesia "Christiane" was flowering when I got it 2yrs ago. It now has 3 new pups - all of them twice as tall as the mom but their leaves are still tight. How long does it take Vriesias to flower again and is it normal for the pup's leaves to still be closed? Oh yeah, it sits in a west window in a 4" pot and gets watered about once a week. Thanks.
Jason
ANSWER: Hi Jason,
Vriesias often produce offsets that do not open and in some cases they are dry and brown. I have never seen a satisfactory explanation for this phenomenon, but I suspect it is related to the fact that hybrids often do not produce healthy offspring.
As long as your offsets are healthy green, there is a chance they will eventually open. Sometimes spraying the furled leaves with some soapy water helps loosen them. Increased humidity may also help. Finally, yours may be getting too dry if they are exposed to direct western sunlight. Try watering as soon as the top half-inch of soil is dry.
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: You answered the question about the leaves but not how long it takes Vriesias to flower again. Thanks, Jason
AnswerHi Jason,
Your Vriesia certainly will not flower again if the leaves do not open up. After that occurs, it will be at least 2-3 years before the offsets are mature enough to flower. However, re-flowering of Vriseas outside of the greenhouse is very problematic and the odds are that they will not flower again.
Will Creed
