- Plant aechmea in either your yard or a container. Plant seeds or cuttings in soil that retains moisture but drains well.
- Water the aechmea plant thoroughly. Wait until the soil is fully dry before watering the plant again.
- Use a liquid fertilizer on the aechmea plants during the summer. ...
- Mist the aechmea plant often with a spray bottle filled with water unless you live in a particularly humid area.
- Observe the plant for signs of mosquito or scale infestations, as both insects breed in standing water on plant leaves.
- Transplant the aechmea if necessary by repotting it in either a larger container or outdoors. ...
How do you take care of Aechmea plants?
Mist the aechmea plant often with a spray bottle filled with water unless you live in a particularly humid area. Aechmea plants require humidity to flourish. Observe the plant for signs of mosquito or scale infestations, as both insects breed in standing water on plant leaves.
Is Aechmea difficult to care for?
Aechmea is easy to care for as long as you plant it in well-draining soil. It grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 13.
How to care for Aechmea fasciata urns?
Filling the tanks with distilled water or rain water will help prevent the build up of salts commonly found in tap water. Aechmea fasciata, more commonly known as the urn plant, is one of the most widely recognized species in the Aechmea genus.
How do you repot Aechmea?
If you wish to repot your aechmea, wait for the blooming to end. Aechmea roots hate having too much water. Double-check that the new pot has a hole in the bottom. Increase drainage with a layer of gravel or clay pebbles along the bottom of the pot, to make water flow through more easily.
How do you water Aechmea Primera?
Water. Aechmeas are epiphytes & in nature grow attached to other plants & even rocks. They get the moisture & nutrients they need through their foliage. It's best to keep the vase, cup, urn or tank (the center where the flower arises out of) 1/4 to 1/2 way full of water.
How often should I water Aechmea?
Additionally, water the potting soil well every month or two, or whenever the soil is somewhat dry, depending on temperature and humidity in your home. Decrease water during the winter months and keep the soil on the dry side. Rinse the leaves at least once every year, or more if you notice buildup on the leaves.
How do you take care of a Aechmea plant?
Growing ConditionsLight: Indirect light or moderate shade. ... Water: Keep water in the central cup. ... Temperature: Aim for 55 degrees or higher. ... Soil: Any soil mix as these are technically air plants that use their roots for support.Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
How long does an Aechmea flower last?
six monthsThe actual flowers are tiny, odorless blue blossoms growing in between the bracts. The blue flowers die quite quickly, but the pink bracts may persist for as long as six months.
How often does Aechmea bloom?
onceAfter flowering this is to be expected as Aechmea plants are monocarpic. If it happens sooner than this, then the likely cause is overwatering. The Urn Plant will only flower once and only when it is old enough to do so. A rough estimate for this is after four or five years.
Do you have to remove bromeliad pups?
The pups should be separated from the mother plant after they have developed a small rosette or circle of leaves similar to the mother plant.
Can I cut the dead flower off my bromeliad?
Well, it might sound harsh, but once your bromeliad bloom has begun to die, you can cut it off! Bromeliads are known for their exotic, long-lasting flowers. These tropical plants can bloom for months, in fact. However, once a bromeliad's flower begins to die, it is signaling the next cycle in its life.
Do bromeliads only flower once?
Bromeliads often have both striking foliage as well as flowers. However, a bromeliad will only bloom once throughout its lifespan. Though that seems like a bummer, especially if you bought the bromeliad for its blooms, the flowers actually last for a good portion of time—generally 3 to 6 months.
How do you make Aechmea bloom?
Empty the depression in the plant and encase it in a large plastic bag accompanied by a slice of apple, kiwi or banana. These fruits give off ethylene gas, which will help force the plant into bloom. Keep the plant in the bag for 10 days and then remove the covering.
What do I do when my bromeliad flower dies?
Each bromeliad produces only one flower, and once the flower completely dies, you can either leave it in place to slowly deteriorate or snip it off the mother plant at its base, using a sterilized pruning tool. Bromeliad flowers also make attractive, exotic cut flowers that last for weeks.
How do you care for a bromeliad indoors?
Following a few simple steps can keep you enjoying bromeliads, both indoors and out, for several seasons.Provide bright light without direct sun exposure.Maintain optimal humidity.Keep air flowing around the plants.Make sure the plants stay moist but not soggy.Provide adequate drainage.Fertilize sparingly.
What happens to a bromeliad after it flowers?
Technically, yes, the bromeliad does die after flowering. Once the bromeliad blooms, it does begin a slow dying process that will last a year or so. However, even though the plant has reached maturity, bloomed, and begun its descent, you can still do things to encourage the growth of bromeliad pups.
What happens when the bromeliad flower dies?
These tropical plants can bloom for months, in fact. However, once a bromeliad's flower begins to die, it is signaling the next cycle in its life. This next cycle is producing pups. Pups are new bromeliad plants, which will be the future generation of your bromeliad garden.
How long do bromeliad pups take to flower?
Adequate light is critical to get the plant that grows from the pup to eventually bloom. Blooming, with good care, generally will occur one to three years after separation from the parent plant.
Do bromeliads lose their flowers?
Do Bromeliads Flower Once – Tips On Bromeliad Care After Flowering. One of the greatest things about bromeliads are their flowers. The flowers can stay blooming for months, but eventually they fade and die. This doesn't mean the plant is dying; it just means the plant is focusing energy on the leaves and roots.
How do you take care of a bromeliad puppy?
It is best to keep the potting medium moist but not wet. Over-watering bromeliad pups can cause rotting at the base of the plant, which could lead to a low chance of survival at this critical stage. As the plant becomes stable with its roots system you can remove the supports and allow it to start receiving more light.
How to transplant an aechmea?
Transplant the aechmea if necessary by repotting it in either a larger container or outdoors. You will know when it's time to repot when the plant's roots fill the container. Propagate the plant using seeds or plant divisions.
How to grow aechmea?
Plant aechmea in either your yard or a container. Plant seeds or cuttings in soil that retains moisture but drains well. Use a porous soil mix that drains water quickly and allows root contact with air. Grow aechmea in an area that features partial shade for best results. If growing aechmea outdoors, plant the seeds or cuttings about 18 to 24 inches apart to create ground cover. Although the plant requires partial shade to flourish, strong, filtered light is essential for proper growth. Keep the plant in warm temperature conditions -- the ideal temperature for growing aechmea is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is an aechmea plant?
By Kent Page McGroarty. The aechmea plant is an evergreen bromeliad that features either colorful banded and variegated leaves or leaves covered with gray scales depending on the species. Leaves can be fine and wiry or broad with a leathery texture.
How tall does an aechmea plant grow?
Flowers are usually rosy pink in color. Aechmeas do well both as houseplants and as ornamental ground cover, and they can grow to a height of 3 feet. Aechmea is easy to care for as long as you plant it in well-draining soil.
How to keep Aechmea water?
When caring for an Aechmea in your home, it is important to keep water in its central tank at all times. Be sure to flush this water regularly.
What do Aechmeas do in the wild?
In the wild, Aechmea’s roots merely act as an anchor attaching the bromeliad to the host plant. They take in water from rainfall and nutrients from dust, insects, and other particles that have collected in their tanks. It is common for Aechmeas to become top heavy.
How does Aechmea grow?
Watering. Aechmea’s foliage grows without a stem. The leaves grow together forming a rosette shape at the center of the plant. It takes in water through this rosette, which is more commonly referred to as a tank.
Where does the name Aechmea come from?
Aechmea is a genus of plants found in the Bromeliaceae family. Aechmea gets its name from a Greek word meaning “spear tip”. Many Aechmeas have sharp spines along the margins or outer edges of their leaves. The Aechmea genus contains 255 different species that originate from throughout Central and South America.
Where do Aechmea broemliads come from?
The Aechmea genus contains 255 different species that originate from throughout Central and South America. Some have adapted for growth in moist, shady forests while others prefer more arid regions. Aechmea broemliads offer a great variety in color, foliage, and growth habits. They are especially easy to care for and reward their owners ...
Can aechmeas grow outdoors?
Most Aechmea are well suited to grow both indoors or outdoors. They thrive in light shade or indirect sunlight. Aechmeas can flourish in indoor office spaces. The florescent lighting will typically be enough to satisfy this bromeliad. They can be grown outdoors in climates that have no risk of frost.
Do aechmeas grow in pots?
Most Aechmeas are epiphytic meaning they grow non-parasitically on another host such as a tree. However, they are often sold as potted, terrestrial plants in nurseries and flower shops. While they can grow well in pots, their root systems are not large. In the wild, Aechmea’s roots merely act as an anchor attaching the bromeliad to the host plant. They take in water from rainfall and nutrients from dust, insects, and other particles that have collected in their tanks. It is common for Aechmeas to become top heavy. Their foliage is large and meaty yet their small root systems prefer small 4-6 inch pots.
How long do aechmea flowers last?
It's not unusual for an aechmea flower spike to last for months.
What are the two most common aechmea plants?
Varieties. The two most common aechmea varieties include the A. chantinii, or zebra plant, and the A. fasciata, or urn plant. The zebra plant is distinguished by horizontal darker stripes across its leaves, while the urn plant has solid silver-green leaves.
Can bromeliads be staked up?
If a bromeliad is unstable in the pot, it can be staked up. Don't replant deeply as this will kill the plant. Aechmea with lighter or silvery leaves can be slowly adapted to higher light levels and might appreciate being moved to a sheltered nook on your patio in the summer. Read More.
Can bromeliads be repotted?
Mature bromeliads should not be repotted. Smaller bromeliads can be potted into small containers until they are established, then moved into 4-inch or 6-inch pots until they flower. Be aware that a mature aechmea is a fairly top-heavy plant and will tip over in a standard plastic pot. Make sure the pot is well-weighted.
How to keep Aechmea from getting too much water?
Double-check that the new pot has a hole in the bottom. Increase drainage with a layer of gravel or clay pebbles along the bottom of the pot, to make water flow through more easily. Special leaf plant soil mix is required, ideally specifically designed for Bromeliaceae plants.
What is the best window for an Aechmea?
East or West-facing windows are thus usually the best call for your aechmea.
How to keep a pot moist?
To retain a certain moisture level, it is best to put the pot atop a bed of clay pebbles or little stones wallowing in water. Evaporation will help recreate the living environment of their native habitat without needing to overwater.
What is an aechmea plant?
As original, colorful and exotic as its cousins are, Aechmea is a simply astounding indoor plant of the vast Bromeliaceae family.
Why are my aechmea leaves turning yellow?
If the color of the leaves turns pale, it is probably due to a lack of fertilizer. If the inside leaves turn yellow or brown, it is probably due to too much watering.
Can you plant Aechmea in a small pot?
Special Bromeliaceae soil mix is the best solution but you can also opt for flower plant soil mix and layer the bottom with a thick drainage medium. Aechmea never grows far-reaching roots, which is why a small pot, about 4 inches (10 cm), is more than enough.
Can aechmeas be put in the same pot?
I placed My Chiantii in a much larger pot so her base bracts have something to lean against. She also leans against the wall. 🙂 – I have also put chopsticks in the pot for plant to lean on. Aechmeas do well together. You can put them in the same pot to lean against each other, but be careful of the spines!!
Can you use Miracle Gro for a bromeliad?
Also, yes… never use regular potting soil or miracle gro. any potting soil that has any type of moisture retention will kill your Bro causing root rot, fungus gnats (which also cause root rot by the gnat larvae eating the roots). It is important to remember that Bromeliads are epiphitic like Orchids. EXACTLY like orchids. They take the same soil and desire to be treated the same way. When is comes to basic care: watering (water ONLY bracts of plants. NEVER soil), humidity (mist every day. Bros are from the rain forests), temperature (65-90 degrees f) and light. Moderate to bright, always indirect.). Aechmeas are beautiful and so very special. When in bloom, they can become VERY sticky so be careful when handling.
