PlantFiles: Aechmea, Bromeliad
Aechmea blanchetiana

I have not grown thus plant. Aechmea blanchetiana is both a terrestrial or epiphytic bromeliad which attains a height of up to 4 feet (1.2 m) and a width of at least 3 feet. (1 m). The color of its leaves ranges from reddish gold, orangish gold, goldish yellow to green, depending upon the amount of sunlight it receives.

This is one of my favorite sun-loving bromeliads. Tough as nails, this species thrives in Southwest & South Florida. Best color is achieved in full sun, and although some claim it needs a lot of water, I've had best results with minimal supplemental watering. In fact, mine are most colorful during the dry, parched winter months.

There are apparently a few popular cultivars circulating right now in Florida. Some forms have wider leaves, and are of an overall more robust nature. Others have slimmer foliage, and are more profuse in suckering. Some take on a more red/raspberry color, while others are more orange/yellow.

Be sure to give them some space. In just a few years, these giant bromeliads can quickly fill a large area in your xeriscape. I've grown ours in the native soil- a sandy, rocky, seashell filled, alkaline limestone mix, and they love it. They pair exceptionally well with cacti and succulents.

***Beware*** A word of caution- these plants are viciously armed with the typical Aechmea, super sharp, tiny, saw-teeth spines along the margins. Not to be messed with, these bromeliads will inflict mean slashes if one bruses up against them. Weeding around them requires long sleeves, a hat, gloves, eye protection, jeans, and a lot of caution- or really long arms.

Gorgeous flowers (multi-branched) sit high above the foliage. Plant can reach a height of 48". It is also salt tolerant.

This is a magnificent bromeliad, largely cultivated here in Rio de Janeiro on sunny gardens, often playing the central role on beds thanks to its showy foliage and atractive inflorescence.

This plant stays around the height of someone´s knee, with upright and straight, leathery leaves, with a beautiful color that may vary from green to gold, with red tips. The inflorescence comes from the center of the plant, reaching up to 1,8-2 meters tall. The branched stalk is entirely covered with red bracts, and the flowers are yellow, and ephemeral, protected by red bracts with yellow tips. The flowers don´t last long, but the inflorescence stays showy for months. Hummingbirds are seen flying around it.

It needs organic soil, full sun, high temperatures and regular watering. Always keep the center of the rosette full of water.