Aechmea Bromeliad Plant

In botanist terms, the Aechmea Bromeliad plant is a genus of the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Bromelioideae, which is related to the pineapple and to Spanish moss. To growers of the Aechmea Bromeliad Plant, it is a beautiful addition to both indoors and in outdoor gardens.

Most of the 150 species that are part of the genus (category ranking between a family and a species) Aechmea are epiphytic (gets moisture and nutrients from the air or small pools of water). Each of them has outstanding foliage.

THE AECHMEA BROMELIAD PLANT APPEARANCE

The leaves of the Aechmea Bromeliad have leathery variegated leaves. The leaves have spines around the edge. The leaves overlap each other and originate from the base of the plant forming a long tube and can grow up to twelve inches long. From the center of the tube the flower will emerge and bloom.

The Aechmea Bromeliad plant has the nickname of urn or living vase came about because it appears to have a vase that holds water for the flower. The flowers can be scarlet red and blue and also red, yellow, and black. There are Aechmea Bromeliad plants that have pink flower heads with blue blooms.

THE AECHMEA BROMELIAD PLANT CARE

This plant grows best in tropical weather and care must be given to keep it warm and maintain humidity for optimal results. Even without optimal care, this plant is fairly easy to grow, just don’t leave it outside in the winter or on cold nights when the temperature will be dropping below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In nature, Bromeliad plants grow on the following:

  • Branches
  • Tree trunks
  • Rocks

Aechmea Bromeliad plants can still grow well in containers and are forgiving of a little neglect. Due to their small roots, they don’t need very large pots. The growing medium can be tree-fern bark, cork-oak bar, or half osmunda fiber and half leaf mold compost with a small amount of both charcoal and sand. Moisture can be maintained with a plate or container of water near by and by misting with water. Fertilizer at 1/2-1/3 the normal dose about every 2-3 months.

Other types of Bromeliad plants:

  • Ananas
  • Billbergia
  • Cryptanthus
  • Guzmania
  • Neorelia
  • Nidularium
  • Tillandsia
  • Vriesea

A type of Aechmea Bromeliad plant that is popular is a hybrid of the Bullis Bromeliad, the Alegria. The “bloom” is an impressive stalk with bright red and pink berries. This Aechmea plant can grow as high as 4 feet and have a width of 4 feet also.

PURCHASING AECHMEA BROMELIAD PLANTS

The Bromeliad plants, including the Aechmea Bromeliad plants, that are purchased in garden centers are 3/4 the size they are capable of reaching at maturity. Full size Bromeliad plants are best out doors due to their size. To buy a Bromeliad plant that you can enjoy the bloom for the longest period of time look for a plant that has flower spikes coming out of the cup and a plant that is not in full color.

Aechmea Bromeliad plants add interest and color both indoors and outdoors.

Bromeliad Plant for Sale

Planning on buying a Bromeliad Plant for Sale.