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Urn Plant, Aechmea Fasciata
Urn plant Aechmea fasciata Origin- Tropical America
Description- Part of the Bromeliad family and a relative of the Pineapple, this plant is so called because of its vine shaped leaves which vary from pale to grey-green with silver stripes. These plants are epiphytes (air feeders) and collect moisture in their leaves, needing the soil only as a support. Small mauve blue flowers appear throughout the year on pink bracts which may flower for up to 8-10 months. Most plants grow to about 70cm in height. Position- Bright indirect light. Variegated leaf forms need plenty of light to hold their leaf patterns.
Stumpy's Cultivation Tips- Plant seed or young suckers all year round in clay pots, one to a pot. Use moist compost rich in leaf mould and peat. As the plant grows, keep the urn or rossete of leaves full of water, rather than the compost. Problems- Scale inects: Spray with white oil on top and underneath the leaves. White oil suffocates the scale. Be careful of cold weather, keep in a warm position day and night!
I hope you enjoyed another part from our easy indoor plants series. Happy Gardening Marty Return to Homepage
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