Keep the soil evenly moist at all times during the spring and summer seasons; never allow the plant to dry completely. Reduce watering in the winter when growth slows down. Fittonias need to be kept warm. Avoid cold drafts, temperature fluctuations and rooms that are too cool. With its need for ample humidity, unless you can provide it in another way, consider growing this plant in a terrarium or bottle garden.

Fire Flash will tolerate low light for quite some time but will eventually begin to deteriorate, so choose a location that offers bright, indirect light; avoid hot, midday sun. Use a fast-draining, airy medium that retains some moisture without staying soggy. Keep it evenly moist during the active growing season from spring to early fall; reduce watering in the winter but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. This is a terrific candidate for hydroculture; wash the roots free of soil and pot the plant in the clay medium. Conversion is rapid and fairly painless; succulent water roots will develop within 3 – 4 weeks, possibly a little longer.

Although dry air seems to be handled fairly well, I would recommend levels between 40 – 50 percent, if possible. Temperatures between 18°C (65°F) to 29°C (85°F) are fine. ‘Fire Flash’ will endure cooler levels, but exposure to very low temperatures should be limited. If the plant gets too cold, unsightly black patches will develop on the leaves and their tips. Feed once a month with a liquid fertilizer that is diluted to half strength. A weaker solution is wiser because over-feeding will also lead to black leaf tips and margins.

Use a highly-porous, fast-draining soil and keep it evenly moist but never soggy. Reduce watering around midwinter when your plant takes a much-needed rest; keep the soil barely moist but never allow it to dry out completely. To convert to hydroculture, wash roots free of soil, pot in clay pellets, provide ample humidity, protect from direct sunlight and keep warm. Water roots will form within a few weeks (4 – 6). Transplant after the flowering period ends.

Choose a location that offers bright, indirect light; a well-lit area is needed to encourage flower formation. Never expose to the summer’s hot, midday sun, which can burn the plant’s leaves. Direct sunlight is not recommended but a little early morning or late afternoon sun in an east or west facing location is handled very well.

Ideal temperatures are between 18°C (65°F) and 21°C (70°F) while the plant is actively growing; exposure to cold will cause the plant to drop its leaves. During the rest period, a cooler, shadier spot where the temperature is as low as (but never below) 13ºC (55°F) is preferred, but it’s not compulsory. Feed once a month at full strength, or every two weeks at half strength in spring and summer. Do not fertilize while the plant is resting.

Pot up your plant in a porous soil that drains well, water it when it dries out considerably and then water thoroughly. You can also water this Bromeliad exclusively through its funnel of leaves and eliminate the soil entirely by growing it attached to driftwood. Keep the tank (cup) filled with water, flush it every 1 – 2 months and refill with fresh water.

Convert to hydroculture; this plant is a prime candidate for the system. As an epiphyte, the Vriesea Splendens does not require any type of soil, making it a prime candidate for this alternative growing method. Conversion is very quick and completely painless – for you and the plant.

Grow in a porous, well-draining soil to avoid over-watering. During the summer, keep the plant slightly damp, never soggy; during the winter keep it almost dry. Provide as much light as possible, bright to full sun all year round. Feed every 3 – 4 weeks during the spring and summer seasons; do not feed during the winter months. Humidity is not an issue; the plant can tolerate dry air very well.

This palm-like oddity is an outstanding performer in hydroculture. If you decide to convert from soil to pellets, handle with great care when transplanting to avoid being stabbed by the long, needle-sharp thorns. Conversion is fairly quick; water roots may form anywhere within 2 – 4 weeks. There will be minimal leaf loss due to stress but it will be replaced by new growth in next to no time.