Photo: Skjold SøndergaardCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Tequendama Vriesea Plant Care
Vriesea tequendamae (André) L.B.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking bright red and green leaves that form a rosette shape, this plant originates from the rainforests of Colombia. Plant collectors are drawn to Vriesea tequendamae for its unique coloration and eye-catching appearance, making it a coveted addition to any collection of tropical plants.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tequendama Vriesea?
Water Tequendama Vriesea every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Tequendama Vriesea?
Tequendama Vriesea (Vriesea tequendamae) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Vriesea genus. Tequendama Vriesea is native to Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
Tequendama Vriesea displays a rosette-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tequendama Vriesea produces colorful bracts with tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tequendama Vriesea?
Vriesea tequendamae requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tequendama Vriesea Need?
Tequendama Vriesea thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Tequendama Vriesea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tequendama Vriesea Prefer?
Vriesea tequendamae grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Tequendama Vriesea prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tequendama Vriesea?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with orchid bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Tequendama Vriesea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tequendama Vriesea?
Feed Tequendama Vriesea every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tequendama Vriesea?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tequendama Vriesea?
Tequendama Vriesea can be propagated through offsets (pups), seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tar plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tequendama Vriesea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tequendama Vriesea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tequendama Vriesea?
Tequendama Vriesea is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tequendama Vriesea Need?
Tequendama Vriesea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Tequendama Vriesea is native to Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Tequendama Vriesea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Tequendama Vriesea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Vriesea genus — compare its care with other Vriesea species on PlantoScan.
Vriesea is part of the Bromeliaceae plant family — browse all Bromeliaceae genera and species.
Tequendama Vriesea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Vriesea Species
Other Vriesea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Vriesea tequendamae (André) L.B.Sm., family Bromeliaceae (first published in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 29: 444 (1951)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tequendama Vriesea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Skjold Søndergaard, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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