Vriesea — the Bromeliad an Aroid Collector Should Learn First

The so-called king of bromeliads, native to the Atlantic forest of southeastern Brazil. Broad, strappy leaves to 60 cm carry irregular dark green crossbands that look genuinely inked on. It tolerates lower light than most Vriesea — bright shade is enough to keep the banding crisp — and a mature rosette will hold a liter of water in its central tank. Slow, patient, and worth the wait.