Aechmea: Blooming Beautiful!
One of my all time favourite flowering houseplants, that in my opinion, deserves so much more attention is the Aechmea, a tropical plant that is both beautiful and so easy to care for!
Aechmea is a genus of flowering plants in the Bromeliaceae family, which also includes pineapples and Spanish moss (another personal favourite). There are around 250 species of Aechmea and they are native to Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The most common species grown as houseplants are Aechmea fasciata (shown in this post), Aechmea chantinii, and Aechmea gamosepala.
Aechmea is a very striking plant with long, slender leaves that form a rosette. The leaves are usually green, but some species have variegated leaves with stripes or spots of white, yellow, or pink. The plant's most distinctive feature is its flower spike, which can be up to 2 feet tall and has bright pink or red bracts that last for several months. The actual flowers are small and inconspicuous, but the bracts more than make up for it with their bold color and unique shape.
One of the great things about Aechmea is that it is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It's important not to let the plant sit in water, so make sure to empty any excess water out of the saucer after watering. The easiest way to water is by pouring it into the central ‘well’ of the plant around the flower stem, as this is how these plants catch rain water in the wild. Aechmea also benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity levels around the plant.
Aechmea is not fussy about temperature, making it a great choice for a variety of environments. It can thrive in temperatures ranging from 10 to 27 degrees celsius and it does well in average household humidity levels. It's also fairly resistant to pests and diseases, although overwatering can lead to root rot.
If you're looking for a houseplant that is both beautiful and easy to care for, consider the Aechmea. With its striking foliage and long-lasting flowers, it's sure to brighten up any room in your home and makes a wonderful gift!
