Bird Rock Tropicals
Aechmea

Aechmea  is a large genus of nearly 200 species.  They are all epiphytic tank-forming plants, mostly with broad rosettes of arching leaves; a few are tubular like billbergias.  (The easiest way to tell the difference is that the sepals of Aechmea flowers are sharply pointed.)  The strap-shaped leaves range from rigid to soft, glossy to scaly, and may be boldly colored with bands, stripes, or spots.  The leaves have sharp teeth on the margins.  The inflorescence is on a long stem that may be erect to pendent.  It bears large, brilliant bracts that hold their color for several weeks or even months.  The flowers are often of a different color from the bracts, and the color combinations are almost endless.  Many species also have brilliant red or blue berry-like fruit.  Most are very easy to grow.

 LIGHT:   Aechmeas need bright light;  preferably 3000 to 4000 footcandles (6000 with high humidity).  They can grow satisfactorily with 1800 footcandles; with less, they can survive but will be weak and may not bloom.  Some will tolerate full sun in humid climates, while a few at the other extreme need shady conditions.  Bright light brings out the best foliage color in the banded and spotted species.  Most grow well outdoors under 40% to 65% shade cloth.

 TEMPERATURE:  In general, the hard leafed species are more cold hardy; a few will tolerate 20° F (7° C) with little or no damage.  However, it is safer to protect your plants from freezing unless you know that yours are hardy. Foliage color fades at high temperatures, but no damage is done.  Inflorescence color is more intense and longer lasting at cooler temperatures and lower light levels.

 WATER:  Water quality is less important than for most other genera, but the basic cultural instructions are still recommended to prevent spotting and possible tip burn.

 POTTING AND MOUNTING:  Follow basic culture for potting.  Aechmeas do well when mounted on rough, UNTREATED wood poles.  Those that produce pups on long stolons are easier to grow mounted than potted since they quickly escape from pots.  In a few years a colony several feet long will develop on a pole.

PROPAGATION:  Many Aechmea species produce pups on long, woody stolons.  The toughness of the stolons plus the spiny leaves make separating pups a potentially strenuous and painful experience.  Gloves, long sleeves, and a sharp knife, hacksaw, or chisel are recommended.  Fortunately, it is not essential to remove pups regularly; many species are attractive as colonies.  Pups flower in one to three years depending on the species and culture.

(Reprinted from Bromeliads A Cultural Manual, The Bromeliad Society, Inc.)