Vriesea Ospinae is a stunning and easy-to-care-for plant. This houseplant has a distinctive look and vibe, making it a favorite of many indoor gardeners.
This detailed care guide discusses the necessary care practices to keep your Vriesea Ospinae at its happiest. We’re also going over the origin, growth behavior, common problems, and other interesting facts about this Goudaea. Read on!
Table of Contents
What Is Vriesea Ospinae?
The Vriesea Ospinae is sometimes known as Goudaea Ospinae, Goudaea Ospinae, and Goudaea Ospinae. It is an astonishing plant famous for its spotted green rosette.
Belonging to the Bromeliaceae family, this perennial has strap-like leaves that are spotted green to purplish-red. Indoors, it appreciates humidity near an east or west-facing window.
In their native habitat, epiphytic bromeliads (air plants) grow on trees or other vegetation on the forest floor while collecting water in their central cup.
You may also grow your Vriesea Ospinae outdoors if you live in hardiness zones 10-11.
Origin And Family
The Goudaea Ospinae is a member of the Bromeliaceae family. This variety of Goudaea comes from the forests of Colombia and other regions in South America. Indoors, it has done well as a houseplant when it has a lot of access to humidity.
This stunning plant was named after Sra. Berta Hernandez de Ospina of Fusagasuga, Colombia, who first grew this plant in her garden. It yields bright yellow inflorescence at the end of winter or summer.
Where To Buy
Those who are looking for a Vriesea Ospinae should consider searching online. Etsy is an excellent platform for buying houseplants.
Vriesea Ospinaes can be very affordable, with prices between $15 for small plants and $30+ for larger or more mature plants.
Vriesea Ospinae Plant Size
As a houseplant, the Vriesea Ospinae reaches between 20-40 inches tall and 15-20 inches wide when mature. This plant’s ideal location is the east or west-facing window.
Vriesea Ospinae Care Needs
Your Vriesea Ospinae, with its spotted green rosette, will grow vigorously if you take good care of it. This plant appreciates humidity and relatively moist soil throughout the year.
Make sure to fully drench it, allowing water to ooze out the bottom of the pot. In terms of lighting, bright light is best for this plant.
Look at the more thorough growing tips we’ve written below to keep your Vriesea Ospinae healthy and happy!
Care Difficulty
Like many plants from the Goudaea genus, the Vriesea Ospinae is easy-to-care-for in most situations – if you give it the proper amount of light and well-draining soil. With this Goudaea Ospinae guide, you can quickly grow this stunning plant.
Growth Rate
When grown indoors, the Goudaea Ospinae plant grows to 20-40 inches. It grows rapidly during spring and summer.
Most Goudaea species, including the Ospinae, have a moderate growth speed.
Potting
The potting material for Vriesea Ospinae should typically be clay or terracotta, as this plant can get top-heavy.
The size of the pot matters for Goudaea Ospinae, and you should use the large option typically.
Good drainage is another need for this perennial.
只者ではないオスピナエ🎵
— 𝒫𝓈ℯ𝓊𝒹ℴ_𝒷𝓇ℯℯ𝒹ℯ𝓇 (@s_feisthameli) May 27, 2019
・Goudaea (Vriesea) ospinae var. gruberi#サンシャインラン展#Goudaea #Vriesea pic.twitter.com/crMgNpheqD
Repotting
As your Vriesea Ospinae develops, you may consider transferring it to a larger pot. With a moderate growth rate, it is necessary to repot your plant after it doubles in size on average. This plant does not have a huge root system, so it does not require frequent repotting.
Use a new batch of soil for your Goudaea when repotting so its roots will be able to absorb more nutrients.
Soil
The Goudaea Ospinae does best in standard commercial potting medium. The roots of this plant prefer a relatively moist environment, so make sure you choose components with suitable moisture-retention properties for your soil. Use peat moss, perlite, coarse sand, and orchid bark to create your soil mix.
Efficient drainage will help avoid root rot and other diseases. You may consider adding gritty and chunky materials to your soil to improve aeration.
Below are a few excellent substrate options for your plant:
pH
You’ll want to aim for a neutral to acidic pH between 6.1 and 7.5. You don’t need to worry too much because a standard commercial potting soil already has a pH level that is near this range.
If you see some problems with your plant, you could do a pH test on the soil to see if this is the culprit.
Water
When watering Goudaea Ospinae, you’ll want to aim to keep your soil relatively moist. To gauge moisture, stick a finger into the pot, or invest in a soil moisture meter device.
Like other plants in the Bromeliad family, this tropical plant has a center cup or “vase” at the base of the plant that must always be filled with water. To avoid bacteria growth, which could make the water smell, change the water frequently.
Vriesea bromeliads are pretty sensitive to hard water. When watering this plant, use fresh water (such as distilled water or rainwater), as bromeliads are sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals. If you use tap water, let it settle overnight first.
Overwatering is a prime killer of indoor plants. When in doubt, remember that it’s safer to underwater than overwater the Goudaea Ospinae. Also, ensure you have fast-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Light
Vriesea Ospinae prefers bright light but can thrive under bright indirect light. Remember, you’re trying to recreate its growing conditions in the tropical forests of Colombia. Setting this plant near an east or west-facing window works well in most situations.
Avoid placing this plant under direct sunlight or very bright light for long periods. You’ll know your Vriesea Ospinae is getting too much light when its leaves may get burned. On the other hand, its leaves may droop if it doesn’t get enough sunlight.
Fertilizer
Indoor house plants, like people, need more food when actively growing because they are using up a lot of their energy. For the Goudaea Ospinae, this growing season usually happens in spring and summer. During this time, you can apply a water-soluble fertilizer once a month.
During the winter months, it won’t be necessary to fertilize because the plants’ roots usually go dormant. This means they won’t need extra food for growth.
Propagating Vriesea Ospinae
If your Vriesea Ospinae has grown too tall, you may prune back the stem and keep the cuttings aside for propagation! Below, we’ve listed step-by-step guides for different propagation methods.
Division
Goudaea Ospinae can be propagated through a process called division. While this method is used for vegetables with typical tubers, bulbs, stolons, rhizomes, and suckers, but it can also be applied to houseplants with stems that grow in clumps.
1. Dig up. Take the plant out of its pot. Remember to wear gardening gloves when handling plants and soil.
2. Separate. You should be able to spot where the roots and stems spontaneously separated. Pull them apart with your fingers and cut the roots using a sharp knife where the sections connect.
3. Repot. Each section should be planted in new pots filled with the same potting mix they’re used to.
Humidity And Aeration
Vriesea Ospinae is a rare perennial that prefers high humidity – often between 70%-90%.
If the edges of your plant’s leaves are beginning to brown, take these measures into account to raise the humidity:
• Arrange your indoor plants together to form a humidity bubble.
• Purchase a humidifier.
• Set your pots on a water-filled pebble tray. This will produce a vapor that will offer relative humidity for your plant.
• Mist your plant, but don’t do it too often, or you risk spreading fungi.
Vriesea ospinae gruberii. #bromeliáceas #vrieseas pic.twitter.com/vPoC2cPPoq
— Botanikus Arquitectura Paisajista (@BotanikusVe) June 19, 2019
Temperature
Warm temperatures and good air circulation are preferable for Goudaea Ospinae plants, but they can grow in a temperature range of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
They do, however, like constant temperatures, so avoid keeping them close to windows and openings that may allow chilly air during cold seasons. Also, keep them far from heat sources like vents, which can dry the air.
Flowers
The Vriesea Ospinae can produce bright yellow and long-lasting inflorescences by the end of winter or the beginning of summer.
Non-Toxic
The majority of bromeliads are not hazardous to children or pets. The plant has no elements that are hazardous to humans, and it won’t harm dogs or cats if they eat it, according to the ASPCA.
| Toxic To Pets? | Care Specifics |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Vriesea Ospinae |
| Common Name | Goudaea Ospinae, [COMMONNAME3] |
| Plant Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Plant Type | perennial |
| Leaf Shape | strap-like |
| Leaf Color | spotted green to purplish-red |
| Recommended Home Placement | near an east or west-facing window |
| Growth Rate | moderate |
| Light | bright light |
| Soil | standard commercial potting soil |
| When To Water | Water ?MISSING?. |
| When To Fertilize | once a month during growing season |
| Preferred pH | 6.1-7.5 |
| Humidity Range | 70%-90% |
| Toxic To Pets? | No |
| Common Pests & Diseases | spider mites, brown tips, powder mildrew, scale insects, yellow leabes, root rot, aphids, drooping leaves |
Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems
Is your Vriesea Ospinae looking ill? Most would say this plant has a strong resistance to pests, diseases, and widespread problems.
In the following sections, we’ve written down the common issues that affect this rare plant. Follow these tips to help diagnose and treat your Goudaea.
Spider Mites
Tropical plants can sometimes bring unwelcome visitors to your home as pests, and an example of such is the spider mite. Adult mites can be seen quickly scampering around when disturbed, although the larvae are not visible.
Neem oil diluted with water can be sprayed on the green leaves of your plant to help get rid of spider mite larvae. Sprays made of organic Pyrethrin are also available and work well at eliminating adult mites. Be mindful of selecting pesticides that are safe for people to inhale when you spray them indoors.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a white cobweb-like substance that covers the surface of your Goudaea Ospinae’s leaves, hindering photosynthesis. The leaves will turn yellow and eventually drop.
This disease is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, humid climates. Young foliage is the most vulnerable to damage. It can be prevented by good, consistent air circulation.
Fungicides, including Bonide and Spectracide, work well against powdery mildew. Mouthwash can also be an excellent way to kill fungal spores. Mix it with water and spray it on the affected areas.
Scale Insects
Scale insects might resemble lumps on the stems or leaves of your beautiful plants. These tiny bugs, which may be green, gray, brown, or black, usually remain sedentary once they’ve latched onto a plant.
If the infestation isn’t too severe, you can use a teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four cups of water to discourage scale insects from attacking your plant. Take a spray bottle and vigorously spritz the plant.
Neem oil and horticultural oils may not kill the pests but will undoubtedly cause some damage to them. Numerous insecticide sprays against scales are considered safe to use indoors.
Aphids
These tiny bugs, called Aphids, will eat the leaves of your Goudaea Ospinae, resulting in black and brown patches.
Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat an infestation. Weak concentrations of dish detergent can also kill aphids without harming your plant. Choose a product that is free of fragrances, such as Ivory Liquid.
Start by diluting a teaspoon of dish soap in a gallon of water, then increase the ratio as necessary. Use this solution to spray your affected plant, making sure you include the underside of leaves where aphids are usually found.
Brown Leaf Tips
Occasionally, you might notice brown leaf tips on your Goudaea Ospinae. Typically, this indicates that your plant has not been sufficiently watered or is quickly losing moisture from its leaves through transpiration.
Increase the humidity levels in your indoor growing space, or water your plant as soon as the topsoil dries out.
Brown leaf tips might also point to an issue with the plant’s roots, so make sure your plant has a porous, well-draining growing medium.
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves on the Vriesea Ospinae can be caused by inconsistent watering, incorrect lighting, and lack of humidity. It might also help to clean your plant’s leaves with plain water and a microfiber cloth to remove the layer of dust that can interfere with photosynthesis.
#vriesea , #aechmeas . Decoración del chaguaramo con un arreglo de Vriesea ospinae Aechme chantinii, Aechmea bert y Vriesea splendes pic.twitter.com/Cw1FPqtewa
— Botanikus Arquitectura Paisajista (@BotanikusVe) February 2, 2018
Yellow Leaves
Sometimes, you may see yellow leaves on your Goudaea Ospinae, which can signify trouble. Factors that cause this problem include moisture stress, improper lighting, nutrient imbalance, inconsistent temperatures, insect infestations, bacterial or viral infections, and many others.
To narrow down the problem, you must consider recent weather changes or how you care for your plant.
Root Rot
Root rot is a common killer of Goudaea Ospinae. Typically, it starts at the roots and quickly spreads to the stem and foliage.
Another cause of root rot is poor drainage in the soil. This stunning plant requires standard commercial potting soil that stays relatively moist.
Other things you can do to avoid root rot include: drilling holes at the bottom of your pot, choosing high-porosity materials such as terracotta and unglazed ceramic planters, and lengthening the gap between watering schedules.
Similar Plants
Love Goudaea Ospinae? Here are some other similar plant options you should try:
Neoregelia Medusa – Due to its long leaves growing from a central “head,” the Neoregelia Medusa plant was named after the Greek mythical figure “Medusa,” the woman with snakes for hair.
Do you want to know how to cultivate bromeliads successfully indoors? For information on how to grow these lovely plants, see our 9 Tips.
Have dogs? Here is our guide on maintaining indoor plants that are good for pets.
Conclusion
With its spotted green rosette, Vriesea Ospinae is a splendid ornamental plant that looks stunning indoors. Following our care instructions, you’ll have no trouble growing this plant!
Have you got a Goudaea Ospinae? We want to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected] so we can share them on our blog.
Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. All opinions, however, are our own, and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.