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Aechmea fasciata is from the Bromeliaceae family of plants. They also call it the Bilbergia fasciata, Silver vase, Silver Vase Bromeliad, or Urn Plant. It is an epiphytic bromeliad, it can grow on trees or ground without affecting the host. Aechmea fasciata is native to Brazil.
Aechmea is from Greek work aichme which means a point, referring to the sharp points of the sepals, and fasciata means bound together. It is stemless and grows to about 1ft or 30cm tall.
The rosette of tough, often spiny, silver-gray, and green leaves surround a once-in-a-lifetime bloom. A central bright pink bract produces the small violet flowers, usually in August. The pink bract which is a nice contrast to the silvery gray leaves lasts a long time. That is why Aechmea fasciata is a popular houseplant. There are usually offsets at the base of this plant that can be transplanted to form a new plant.
How to grow Aechmea fasciata:
Grow Aechmea fasciata in filtered or indirect sunlight. Plant it in evenly moist but well-drained soil. Keep a small pool of water in its central cup among the leaves. The ideal room temperature ranges in 60ºF or 15ºC at night and 75ºs F or 24ºC during the day or thereabouts. Reduce watering in winter and never let it go soggy. Rinse the plant with water once a month.
Generally, it is disease-free and pest-free. Watch out for mealybugs or scale, crown rot, or leaf spot. The tips of the leaves could turn brown if it dries out. It requires a good amount of heat to flower. If Aechmea fasciata does not bloom place a ripe apple at the base and cover the plant with clear plastic for 10 days. Propagate by suckers or offsets.
Also, read about Bromeliad.
