Vriesea ospinae var. gruberi ‘Ice’
 
Common Names: Ice Vriesea, Frosted Jungle Vriesea
 
Zones: 10A–11
 
A luminous cultivar of the Colombian species Vriesea ospinae var. gruberi, ‘Ice’ features upright, spineless foliage in pale green streaked with creamy white and mint mottling. Its frosted appearance and compact form make it ideal for interiorscapes, living walls, and shaded containers. This cultivar thrives in filtered light and high humidity, offering bold contrast in tropical compositions.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright rosette; slow clumper; epiphytic or terrestrial
Size: 20 in (51 cm) tall; 24 in (61 cm) wide
Leaves: Spineless pale green with icing-white streaks and mint mottling
Flowers: Tall yellow spike; tubular flowers
Fruit: Inconspicuous Ecology: Non-tank-forming; vivarium-safe with space
 
Growing Conditions Light: Shade to partial sun; avoid direct midday exposure Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; avoid water pooling in leaf axils Soil: Well-draining bromeliad mix with bark and peat; pH 5.5–6.5 Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C); frost-sensitive Humidity: Moderate to high (60–80%) Propagation: By offsets (“pups”) post-bloom Tolerance: Shade tolerant; sensitive to frost and stagnant moisture
 
Landscape Use Ideal for shaded containers, living walls, and tropical interiorscapes. Pairs well with Vriesea ‘Ocean Mist’, Neoregelia ‘Tigrina’, and Tillandsia ionantha.