Aechmea: Planting, Cultivation and Care

Botany

The Aechmea is a stemless plant, native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America. It is actually a genus of plants belonging to the Bromeliaceae family, just like the pineapple, the Guzmania, or the Tillandsia. Most members of this botanical family grow as epiphytes, clinging to tree bark. They feed on decomposing leaves and excrement that accumulate in the crevices of trunks, thanks to their aerial root system. As for rainwater, it collects between the gutter-like leaves, forming a cup-shaped reservoir. These plants therefore need humidity and moderate light to recreate their natural environment. Species in the Bromeliaceae family also have the peculiarity of taking many years to flower. And, after the flowering period, which lasts for several months, the rosette of leaves withers, but not without producing offsets at its base, allowing the plant to persist.

In its natural habitat, the Aechmea is an epiphytic plant that grows on tree trunks

Etymologically, the term “Aechmea” derives from the Greek “akmê,” meaning point or spearhead, likely referring to the very pointed tips of the flower calyxes.

The Aechmea genus includes over 250 different species, some of which are commonly cultivated as houseplants in our latitudes. Starting with Aechmea fasciata (syn. Billbergia fasciata), commonly known as the silver vase, the most widespread, with its fleshy, broad foliage that blooms in light pink to crimson. In the trade, you can also find Aechmea fulgens, with dark green leaves dotted with greyish reflections and spike-like inflorescences. The species Aechmea tayoensis, native to Ecuador and Peru, features simple, linear leaves with serrated edges and prominent brown veins. Its inflorescence consists of orange-red bracts and yellow flowers. The species Aechmea chantinii also attracts interest with its bright green foliage striped transversely with dark green or grey and its inflorescences with red or orange bracts adorned with red flowers. To this multitude of species, numerous cultivars are added, expanding the range of foliage and flowering options.

The Aechmea offers rosettes of highly varied foliage depending on the species

The Aechmea is therefore a herbaceous, epiphytic, and stemless plant with tough, rigid, and very broad foliage. Some leaves with rounded tips can reach 10 cm in width. These leaves, curved and finely toothed at the edges, are arranged in a rosette. Tightly overlapping each other in a spiral, the leaves form a sort of cylinder that, in nature, allows them to store rainwater or dew. The leaves of some Aechmea species are covered with a greyish bloom made of scales, which disappears upon contact or when sprayed with hard water.

After a few years, a single inflorescence emerges from the rosette, resembling a floral spike, composed of numerous bracts, which can last for at least six months, and small flowers, varying in colour depending on the species. These flowers evolve during the flowering period but live only briefly. As with most Bromeliads, this flowering signifies the death of the rosette. However, the “agony” can last up to a year.

Flowers of different Aechmea species

Nevertheless, the plant ensures its longevity by producing offsets at the base. By allowing their root system to develop minimally, it is then possible to cultivate them separately. However, it will take many years before a new inflorescence appears, provided it is placed in a very bright environment with high humidity. Nonetheless, the foliage offers undeniable ornamental interest.

Due to its cultural needs and spiny appearance, the Aechmea is best grown alone in a pot. In the trade, Aechmeas are usually purchased already in bloom.

Several species to discover

How to plant Aechmea?

When to Plant Aechmea?

As a houseplant, Aechmea can be planted at any time of the year.

How to Plant It?

To recap, Aechmea is an epiphytic plant, so it requires a substrate tailored to its needs. This substrate should be light and as porous as possible, slightly acidic, and provided in small quantities. Indeed, Aechmea thrives when confined in a narrow pot, to the point of being almost unstable, and perfectly drained, with good depth.

You can plant Aechmea in a special orchid compost, or in a mix of ericaceous compost, leaf mould, and sand. A mix of pine bark, sphagnum moss, and coconut or wood fibres can also suit Aechmea.

• Choose a small container, as Aechmea has a very shallow root system and prefers to feel snug. The pot must have drainage holes.
• Add a layer of sand or gravel at the bottom of the pot.
• Remove the Aechmea root ball and gently loosen the roots.
• Place the root ball in the pot, taking care not to damage the roots.
• Fill in with the substrate.
• Lightly firm down and water.

Where to Place It?

Aechmea requires moderate light, and direct sunlight should be avoided. Varieties with variegated foliage need slightly more light, but not intense light.

However, as Aechmea is very sensitive to cold, it needs a minimum temperature of 13°C. Ideally, in winter, this plant should be placed in a bright room or conservatory, with a temperature between 16 and 16°C. It should never be placed near a heat source. For the rest of the year, it tolerates the slightly dry atmosphere of our homes, although it still requires some humidity.

It also dislikes cold drafts.

Aechmea can spend the summer outdoors in the garden. Ensure it is placed in the shade of a deciduous tree and remember to water it.

How to care for Aechmea?

To keep an Aechmea healthy, it requires a minimum of care. Watering is essential.

Watering

Watering should be regular in summer, about twice a week, and less frequent in winter. Watering should be moderate, as the weak root system does not allow for rapid water absorption. As a result, this plant, like many Bromeliads, is susceptible to crown rot when in contact with overly moist substrate. Therefore, water regularly but in small amounts. Most importantly, ensure to remove any residual water from the saucer or decorative pot. In winter, wait until the substrate is completely dry between waterings.

It is also possible to keep the central cylinder of leaves filled with rainwater, to recreate the plant’s natural living conditions, provided the crown remains dry. Alternatively, you can occasionally mist the foliage with non-calcareous water. However, never wipe it with a cloth or sponge, as this could damage the surface tissues.

Watering must always be done with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Rainwater is ideal, but demineralised water can also be used. The plant would not tolerate internal and external humidity.

Fertilisation

You can optionally apply a special orchid fertiliser once a month, from March to October, to prolong flowering.

Repotting

Since the rosette dies after flowering, repotting is unnecessary. However, you can replant offsets to propagate the plant.

Pruning

The Aechmea does not require pruning. However, cut the flower spike at the base once it has faded. This will encourage the development of offsets.

→ Also read our article Aechmea: Care Throughout the Seasons

How to propagate Aechmea?

Aechmea propagation is done when the rosette has died. If your Aechmea has produced offsets at the base, it is possible to repot them. Allow them time to develop their rudimentary roots well before cultivating them separately, at a temperature of at least 18°C, without direct sunlight, and with moderate watering. The offsets are removed by detaching them from the mother rosette.

If the offsets do not have sufficient roots, they will be treated as cuttings. They will need to be planted in pots filled with a very light, slightly moist substrate.

Diseases and Pests of Aechmea

The main issue that Aechmea may encounter is root and crown rot. The leaves rot at the base, detach, and fall off. The roots, which are underdeveloped, also rot. The plant appears unstable and topples over. These symptoms are particularly common in autumn and winter. Simply reduce watering and ensure the saucer is emptied systematically.

In terms of pests, Aechmea is susceptible to attacks by mealybugs and woolly aphids. I invite you to discover how to identify and treat them in these two articles: Mealybugs: Identification and Treatment and Aphids: Identification and Treatment.

How to style an Aechmea in your interior?

The Aechmea, a multifaceted plant, integrates elegantly into many decoration styles. Its graphic appearance makes it an asset for modern and minimalist interiors. Pair it with straight lines and raw materials like resin or metal for a striking contrast. The company of Sansevieria trifasciata or “mother-in-law’s tongue,” with its rigid and graphic leaves, will create an interesting contrast with the Aechmea.

For a more bohemian style, opt for macramé or wicker baskets to hang your Aechmea. You can pair it with Tillandsias, these air plants that you could attach to pieces of driftwood to add a natural touch. Ferns with their delicate fronds, carried by wicker planters, can balance the rigidity of the Aechmea.

In a tropical interior, the Aechmea will find its place among other green plants and exotic patterns. It will particularly thrive in the company of other plants from the Bromeliad family, sharing the same cultural needs. Thus, a pineapple plant, a Guzmania, or a Neoregelia will bring that exotic touch to an interior furnished with rattan or bamboo.