The impressive Flaming Sword Bromeliad (Vriesea splendens) shows off their sword-shaped red flower spike and dark green with purple and black stripes. They don't bloom until they are aged three to five years. Long yellow tubular flowers will emerge from the red flattened bracts for greater contrast. Expect the bracts to last several weeks to give a great show. Once they fade, pups will form, and propagation naturally begins to recreate the festive look in the future.