Is my flaming sword dying

Question

I have a Flaming Sword (Vriesea Splendens) and the swords are drying out. Should this happen or have I killed it by over/under watering it?

Answer 1

It is hard to say which you are doing. Symptoms for under and over watering look almost identical.

Make sure that you are keeping its soil moist, but not sopping. Water when the top of the soil just barely feels dry. Make sure that you are giving it enough light as well. They like bright, indirect light.

This article may help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm

Answer 2

Are you referring to the red part drying out? If so, that is natural. Vreisia flowers last 2 or 3 months, but not indefinitely, and as the flowers die, the red bracts turn brown. At this point you can cut out the brown stem with scissors, and keep the rest as a foliage plant. The mother plant produces only one flower stalk in its life. Keep the plant in bright indirect light and water as if it were a succulent – that is, allow the soil in the bottom of the pot to get almost (but not quite) dry between waterings. DO NOT water in the cup of the plant if you’re keeping it indoors. This only works if the plant is outdoors. You can fertilize lightly every couple of months. If the plant produces pups, they can flower, but only after several years growth. This is why, if you want more “flaming swords,” you’ll probably want to visit the plant store again.