Aechmea

( EEK - mee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of evergreen perennials is part of the Bromeliad family, and includes species that are epiphytic, which means that they grow off of other plants and do not have their own root systems. Leaves are typically rigid and strap-like. In many areas Aechmeas are grown as indoor houseplants; They require a sunny window, and the leaf cup (commonly called a 'tank') should be kept partially filled with water. Their foliage is formed around a central tube, and they produce a summertime flower that lasts for months. In the garden, use Aechmea to add a tropical look to mixed beds and borders or grow them in pots. While these plants are generally considered safe, they still require some cautious handling and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Wear personal protective equipment while handling.

Aechmea Species and Varietals

Aechmea belongs to the family Bromeliaceae, and its name is derived from the Greek word 'aichme', which means spear or spear tip. There are about 250 distinct species of Aechmea, and many are epiphytic, meaning they grow on the surface of other plants and derive their moisture and nutrients from air, rainwater, and decaying debris around them. Aechmea grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 and Sunset zones 22-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Aechmea biflora
This species is endemic to Ecuador, and can be found growing in tropical moist montane forests. There are many cultivars of this species, including 'Buchanan's Nebula', 'Caldera', 'Chiriqui', 'Light Years', 'Mars Rising', 'Mundillo', 'Solar Flare', 'Kathleen', and 'Pepe'. Good in USDA hardiness zones 10a-12b.

Aechmea blanchetiana (Orangeade Bromeliad)
These plants are native to eastern Brazil and are popular tropical ornamental plants. They produce many thorny, long leaves that increase in length as the plant matures, topping out around three feet long. Plants can be green, crimson, yellow or orange. These bromeliads can be either terrestrial or epiphytic.

Aechmea calyculata (Small-Calyx Urn Plant)
These bromeliads are endemic to the Atlantic Forest Biome in southern Brazil and eastern Argentina and are best in USDA hardiness zones 9-12. Individual plants reach up to 6-10 inches tall. Leaves form a loose green rosette of foliage which can develop dark spotting in strong sunlight. There are many cultivars, including:

'Alaya'

'Len Butt'

'Phoenix'

Aechmea chantinii (Amazonian Zebra Plant)
This species grows leaves up to 3 feet long, and foliage is grey or green banded with silver or dark green. Flower clusters are tall, and come in yellow and red, surrounded by bracts that are orange, pink or red. Fruit that follows is either white or blue. These plants are native to Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Aechmea coelestis (Sky Blue Bromeliad)
These plants are native to an area that spans across southeastern Brazil. There are many cultivars of this species bred for their aesthetic qualities, and they are typically kept as indoor or greenhouse ornamentals. Varieties include 'Golden Beads', 'Beads of Coral', 'Pink Beads', 'Mauve Beads', 'Hal Ellis', and 'Mondamin'.

Aechmea comata (Silver Bromeliad)
These plants are popularly grown as ornamentals in greenhouses or indoors, and are endemic to southern Brazil. There are many cultivars of this species, including 'Covata', 'Covata Too', 'Golden Comet', 'Gotha', 'Julian Nally', and 'Keith's Comet'.

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant, Vase Plant, Silver Vase Plant)
This plant's foliage is grey-green with silver to white banding. Rose bracts surround a cluster of pale blue flowers that mature to rose. There are varieties with intense silver foliage and with leaves edged in creamy white. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.

Aechmea fulgens (Coralberry, Coralberry Bromeliad)
This plant's leaves are 12-16 inches long and are green with a grey dusting. Flower clusters appear in red, blue, and white. Berries are pink. Variety Aechmea fulgens discolor (pictured) has foliage in brownish-purple-red. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 11 and above, and are typically kept as houseplants or greenhouse specimens.

Aechmea spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Aechmea, Hybrid Bromeliad)
This group includes many cultivars that were bred for their size, leaf or flower color, or hardiness. They do well in USDA hardiness zones 9-12 and are also cultivated as greenhouse or indoor plants.

'Abbey Road'

'Alvarez'

'Aztec Gold'

'Beatlejuice'

'Bert'

'Big Ben'

'Black'

'Black Beauty'

'Black Bands'

'Black Marble'

'Blue Cone'

'Blue Tango'

Aechmea pectinata
This species has 1.5 to 2-foot long leaves marked with pink or red at the time the blooms appear. Flowers are white-green. This species does well in USDA growing zones 10-11, and is also grown as an indoor plant or greenhouse specimen. Pollinated by hummingbirds.

Aechmea weilbachii (Weilbach's Aechmea, Violvippa)
Shiny leaves are green and 2 feet long, sometimes with red bases. Flowers develop into berries that are orange-red and tipped with lilac. The best growing zones for this species is USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Hardy down to 20 degrees Fahrehneit.

Caring for Aechmea

These plants can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas, but otherwise they are best inside. Place your plant in an area that will receive bright, indirect light or filtered sun. They love fast-draining but moisture-retentive soil; orchid bark is an ideal substrate. The central tube should be kept 1/4- to 1/2-way filled with water, and soil should be watered only when it gets dry. Sometimes in the winter, the center of the plant where you've been filling it with water may begin to brown and wither, which means it is getting too full. Try giving the plant less water (fill it up to just a quarter of the way) and see if this helps, or even just switch to spraying the plant's foliage with water. These plants need a low-nitrogen water-soluble fertilizer (such as a 0-10-10 fertilizer) every month or two. A fertilizer meant for orchids works well, diluted to half strength as well as fertilizers meant for air plants. To apply fertilizer, spray the plant's foliage and surrounding growing medium with a spray bottle filled with your prepared mixture (follow the directions on the bottle for best practices). Hold back fertilizing and water, and ensure that the plant is receiving cooler temperatures in wintertime when your Aechmea will enter its dormant period.

Aechmea plants do not last forever - they will begin to sprout pups from the base, and this is a good sign that you'll need to say farewell to your plant. The good news is that these pups can be grown into new full-size Aechmeas. Wait until they have reached about 4-6 inches in length, and then carefully remove them from the parent plant and transfer them to new pots. They can also be attached to driftwood or rocks - remember, they are epiphytic. Pruning is not necessary for Aechmea plants; they will wither and die on their own when they are ready. Leaves on your Aechmea should be wiped down regularly with water to avoid them becoming clogged.

Propagation

The easiest way to propagate your Aechmea is through its volunteer offsets, also called 'pups'. As the parent plant is fading, you'll notice smaller plants forming on the sides. These will be the pups you'll want to harvest and transplant. Wait until these smaller plants have reached about 4-6 inches in length, and then carefully remove them from the parent plant and place them in individual pots with well-draining soil. Place them in a somewhat shaded area as they mature. They will start to form their roots soon, and be able to grow into full-sized plants. Then, follow the care instructions above.