Aechmea: Planting, Growing and Care

Botany

Aechmea is a stemless plant, native to tropical and subtropical forests of South America. It is actually a genus of plants belonging to the Bromeliaceae family, just like the pineapple, Guzmania or 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 this Bromeliaceae family also have the particularity of taking many years before flowering. And, after the flowering which lasts for many months, the leaf rosette withers, not without having produced offsets at its base, allowing the plant to persist.

In its natural habitat, 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 called silver vase, the most widespread, with its fleshy, broad foliage that flowers in light pink to crimson. Commercially, one can also find Aechmea fulgens with dark green leaves dotted with greyish reflections and spike inflorescences. The species Aechmea tayoensis, native to Ecuador and Peru, offers simple, linear leaves with serrated edges, strongly veined in brown. Its inflorescence consists of orange-red bracts and yellow flowers. The species Aechmea chantinii also attracts interest with its bright green foliage cross-striped with dark green or grey and its inflorescences with red or orange bracts adorned with red flowers. To this multitude of species are added numerous cultivars that expand the range of foliage and flowering types.

Aechmea offers rosettes of very varied foliage depending on the species

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 denticulate on the edges, are gathered in a rosette. Tightly imbricated in each other, spirally arranged, 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 grey bloom made of scales, which disappears upon contact or spraying with hard water.

After several 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 flowering but live only a short time. As with most Bromeliads, this flowering signifies death for the rosette. Although the “agony” can still last a year.

Flowers of different Aechmea species

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

Due to its cultural needs and spiny appearance, Aechmea is best grown alone in a pot. Commercially, Aechmeas are generally purchased already in flower.

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?

Remember that Aechmea is an epiphytic plant, so it requires a substrate suited 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, almost to the point of instability, with excellent drainage and good depth.

You can plant Aechmea in special orchid compost, or in a mix of heather soil, leaf mould, and sand. A blend of pine bark, sphagnum moss, and coconut fibre or wood may also suit Aechmea.

• Choose a small container, as Aechmea has a very shallow root system and prefers being snug. The pot must have drainage holes.
• Add a layer of sand or gravel at the bottom of the pot.
• Remove the 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 needs moderate light, avoiding direct sunlight. Species and varieties with variegated foliage require slightly more light, though not intense.

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

It also dislikes cold draughts.

Aechmea can spend 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 your Aechmea healthy, it needs a minimum of care. Watering is essential.

Watering

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

You can also keep the cylinder of leaves filled with rainwater, to recreate the plant’s natural living conditions, provided the collar remains dry. If necessary, you can occasionally mist the foliage with non-calcareous water. However, never wipe it with a cloth or sponge, as this may 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 moisture.

Fertilisation

You may occasionally 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 growth of offsets.

→ Also read our article Aechmea: Care Through 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 properly develop their rudimentary roots to grow 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 don’t have enough roots, they will be treated as cuttings. They will need to be planted in buckets filled with a very light, barely moist substrate.

Diseases and Pests of Aechmea

The main issue that may affect the Aechmea is root and collar rot. The leaves rot at the base, detach and fall off. The roots, which are underdeveloped, also rot. The plant appears unbalanced and topples over. These symptoms are most common in autumn and winter. Simply reduce watering and always empty the saucer.

In terms of parasitic pests, the 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 pair Aechmea in an interior?

The Aechmea, a multifaceted plant, integrates elegantly into many decoration styles. Its graphic appearance makes it an asset for modern, 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, 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, displayed in 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 alongside other plants from the Bromeliad family, sharing similar growing requirements. Thus, a pineapple plant, a Guzmania or a Neoregelia will bring that exotic touch to an interior furnished with rattan or bamboo.