Aechmea plants and species - Grow it and Buy it

Aechmea plants are bromeliads and are fairly easy to grow, species such as a. fasciata, recurvata, blanchetiana and others are grown for both the foliage and colourful flowers.

An interesting species, ranging from quite small to some of the largest bromeliades of all. Nearly all Aechmea have thorns or prickles and they are monocarpic, they flower after a number of years and then die. However, by this time they will have produced offsets, so life goes on. Aechmea can do well as indoor plants. A moist humus rich growing medium is best, bright indirect light and some warmth. Popular species include : A. fasciata, A. chantinii, A. blanchetiana, A. gamosepla, A.mexicana, A. recurvata and A. primera.

Aechmea gamospera 'Lucky Stripe' (picture right) is the variegated matchstick plant is a hardy plant when grown indoors or outdoors in a protected position. Can be divided every 3 - 4 years. Try a little 1/4 strength liquid seaweed fertiliser once a month in the growing period

Aechmea orlandiana (pictured above)

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