Silver Vase

Frost Tolerance: needs to be planted in a protected area in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)

Growth Habits: Up to 2 feet tall clustering rosettes (60 cm)

Watering Needs: Litlle water (see culture)

Propagation: Pups, seeds

This plant is frequently is a popular gift when blooming. The blossom can last several months, after which the plant emit pups. The main plant slowly dies. It is important not to separate the suckers from the main plant too early.

Blooming Habits:
Small blue flowers on a big pink spike appear in late summer to early winter

Culture:
As most bromeliads, Aechmeas are sensitive to copper poisoning. This plant is normally epiphyte (growing on trees). In Phoenix, it is difficult to prevent it from drying up when grown this way, but it will grow reasonably well if grown in the ground in the shade if you add peat moss to the ground. In any case, the soil should be kept fairly dry (but not bone dry), and the cup in the middle of the rosette filled with water. RO water is a worthy investment for keeping it growing.

Propagation:
The propagation is either by seeds or pup. Seeds are much slower and they might take 6 to 8 years to bloom. Pups take much less time from over a year to 3 years.