Aechmea fasciata
AKA: Urn Plant, Silver Vase
4 to 5 years to mature to bloom
Description
The Silver Vase plant looks similar to other bromeliads, especially its more common cousin, Guzmania, with the exception of the leaf texture: the leaves have a dusty, scaly surface in horizontal stripes which helps the bromeliad bring in water through its leaves and acts as a sunscreen. The inflorescence, or flower-like middle, is a light to hot pink color and lasts for months. When the actual flowers bloom, they are a bright violet color and are more short-lived.
These plants are very top-heavy and do much better in sturdy and heavy containers.
Origin
South Eastern Brazil
Grows either in trees or in the ground
Size
Up to about 18 inches tall and 26 inches wide
Temperature
65-75°F (18-24°C) or average room temperature. A higher temperature encourages blooming
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light
East and West facing window sills or near South facing windows as long as it doesn't get direct sun. The leaves will scorch in sunlight that's too hot and direct.
Water
Keep urn filled with water. Rain, distilled, or filtered water is best to reduce mineral build-up.
Drain and rinse out urn once or twice a month.
The potting medium can be watered once the top feels dry, but keeping the urn plant's feet wet can lead to root rot.
Mist its leaves if the air is dry, especially in summer.
Humidity
Like with the temperature, if you're comfortable with the humidity, the plant will also tolerate it. Though it would appreciate its leaves misted in drier climates, especially in the summertime.
Fertilizer
Use bromeliad or orchid fertilizer anytime except winter months when the plant is 'resting'.
Dilute the fertilizer if you fertilize more than twice a year.
Soil
Orchid soil can be used. The soil should drain very well.
Regular potting soil mixed with perlite and bark is also good.
Propagation
Once a bromeliad starts blooming, it starts producing little clones of itself called 'pups'. The 'mother' plant will never bloom again and will eventually wither and die.
- Wait until the pup has reached about 5 inches or taller. Once the pups have reached about 5 inches tall or look like they could survive by themselves, they can be cut away from the mother plant. Take care while cutting though to minimize damage to the pup and the mother plant if you plan on keeping the latter any longer.
- Careful to not damage either plant, disconnect the pup from the mother plant. You can use a knife or gently pull the plants apart.
- The pup can be potted in orchid potting medium, wrapped in and made into a kokedama, etc.
- Fill the urn of the pup with filtered or distilled water.
- Enjoy new baby plant!
Removing the pups from the mother plant is purely optional though.
Issues
- Dry, yellow or brown leaf tips - underwatered
- Dry, yellow or brown spots on leaves - too much hot or direct sunlight
- Scale and mealybugs can be an issue
- The base of the plant turning black, mushy, or moldy - The plant has been over watered and is rotting
Toxicity
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Skin irritation and/or allergies with skin contact