Most plants will survive in a general potting mixture with a bit of extra coarse fibrous material added. Ensure that they have excellent drainage, or root and stem rot occurs easily.
Begonias are native to the tropical and subtropical regions in all continents except Australia, with the most species in South America.
As this plant is either terrestrial or an epiphyte, it will grow in a good potting mixture with the addition of a little extra fibrous peat. This is a drought and frost tender plant, and should be well protected from wind also.
In its natural, lowland rainforest environment in Costa Rica, this plant often grows deep in the shade of the canopy. Under this cover it enjoys shade, and is protected from the elements.
The plants in this genus are terrestrials, xerophytes or epiphytes. Sometimes a particular species may grow in any one or all of these climates. The leaves are mostly firm and narrow, often with spiny margins. Furthermore, the ovary is mostly inferior, occasionally superior. Flowers are mostly regular, with three petals, three sepals, and six stamens.
Many of the plants in this group are epiphytic members of the pineapple family. They often carry the common name of Bromeliads or Broms. Also, these plants have foliage as beautiful as Begonia, Croton or Philodendron species, but they are much tougher. As a result, they are too tough for most pests, and usually easier to grow, and propagate. They do not droop on a hot day, and can take climatic changes better than most other plants. Other benefits are their unusual shapes that make good contrasts to other types of epiphytes, as they are often upright growing, and colourful. These plants vary in size from miniatures to giants, having architectural value in modern homes. Add to this, the flowers, colourful bracts, and the berries that can last up to four months, and we have a very beautiful group of plants.
Some species bask in the bright light, and winds in the tops of rainforest trees. Others enjoy the lower canopies of the rainforests. The dense forests reduce winds to gentle breezes in the lower canopies. Here the shade is more prevalent, and more nourishment is available to plants as the rain washes the nutrients down from the higher canopies. Other epiphytic bromeliads withstand full sun, and drought conditions. We can find these species growing in deserts, attached to cacti, or in open forest areas, using trees as a host. Sometimes we see them attached to telephone poles, and even hanging from the wires. Nevertheless, wherever they are found, good air circulation around the roots is paramount to their health, and growth.
Most epiphytic bromeliads prefer a warm, moist atmosphere with light shade, and protection from cold winds. These ideal conditions are often unobtainable at home. Fortunately, many species will withstand the harsher conditions that we often provide, and seem to thrive. But, like all living things, the more loving-care we give them the better they respond. In cold climates where frosts occur in winter, a heated greenhouse will be an advantage. Warmer temperatures will save the plants from destructive diseases such as crown rot. Also, we can prevent unsightly damage to the foliage by cold burn by using a heated greenhouse. During the summer months, especially in hot climates, when we leave the plants in the midday sun the leaf tips are scorched. As a result, shrivelled white patches occur where the colour has been blanched out. In cool summer climates, this can happen in a greenhouse if we have a dry atmosphere, and we do not protect the plants with shade cloth. Some of us are fortunate enough to live in a warm or hot climate. If so we should provide a shade house or the shade of a tree that provides dappled sunlight for our plants.
Bromeliad seed is usually produced in berries that are sometimes sticky. To get the best germination, wash the seed. Fungicide is not necessary, and could prove fatal if it is not fully washed off before sowing. First, place moist sphagnum moss in the base of a pot or tray, and firm it down. Then, sprinkle the seed on the surface. If the seed is from Guzmania or Vriesea, at this stage, spray it with clean water (rain water if possible). The water will help to flatten the parachute. Put a name and date tag in the container so we can remember when and what we have sown. Afterwards, cover the tray with a sheet of glass, or place the pot in a plastic bag. Then, put it in a warm position in good light, but not a sunny position. Check the containers every week or so, and moisten if necessary. Finally, when the seedlings are 12-25-centimetres (1/2 to 1-inch) high, remove the glass or plastic bag to harden the young plants off.
| Acanthostachys | Aechmea | x Anamea |
| Billbergia | Canistrum | Catopsis |
| Guzmania | Hohenbergia | x Neophytum |
| Neoregelia | Nidularium | x Nidumea |
| Quesnelia | Tillandsia | Vriesea |
These plants spreads by short rhizomes that produce tufts of long, arching leaves. The inflorescence is long, and slender, similar in appearance to its leaves, ending in a cone-like flower spike. This is covered with long lived, bright orange or red, spiny bracts that give birth to the flowers.
Cultivation is easy as it will stand light frost, drought, and full sun. This plant grows best indoors, or in a lightly shaded area in a warm-temperate climate. Also, if grown in a container the soil should have good drainage. For maximum growth, keep this potting soil moist.
Here we have an epiphyte that grows on trees, and on sandstone rocks in temperate, subtropical, monsoonal, and tropical forests. Their natural habitat is in southeastern Peru, central, and south Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina. They grow at an altitude of 670 to 760-metres (2,200 to 2,500-feet).
The name Aechmea came from the Greek aechmea, meaning a point, referring to the spine on the tip of many species. It is a genus of about 170 species, stretching from Mexico to Argentina. Probably, the most important genus for the beginner as many have been in cultivation for a long time, so are easy to obtain. They are easy to grow as they suffer very little from pests, and diseases, this is because the leaves are so tough.
Often, they are grown for their foliage, which is frequently very attractively pattered, and coloured. The inflorescence being a bonus as the colours of the bracts, and flowers are so stunning that they often outshine the flowers, also the colourful berries are so long lasting. In many species, the flower head resembles a cluster of berries, even before the actual flowers appear.
Aechmea species resemble species of Billbergia in many ways. Both Aechmea, and Billbergia have colourful foliage with spines on the leaf border. Some species have spines that are more noticeable than others, as some have their spines a long distance apart. Furthermore, some have spines that are so fine we can only notice them with a close search. Others have their spines at the base of the leaf only. It is only when they come in to flower that the difference is striking. Only then are these two genera well defined.
These plants are quite easy to grow as they are very tolerant of temperatures, moisture, and light differences. The optimum climate alters a little from one species to another, but generally they like good light, a moist atmosphere, and a warm temperature. When we grow them in pots, they should have an open potting mixture. Feeding is not important, as the root system is mainly used for anchorage to a branch or rock. Usually, they take food, and moisture in through the scales on the leaves.
Mostly, this genus has tall, and very upright rosettes that open wide at the apex. This is to catch water, and other things that wash its way. This shape is useful when planted with other epiphytes, as most plants are either spreading or hang downwards. As Aechmea species hold water, it helps to keep the air moist around our other plants. They also hold many nutrients in this container-like growth, which spills over into the potting mixture when we water it.
We propagated these species by offsets or seed. The new offset, sometimes known as a ‘Pup’, should be at least one third of the height of a mature rosette before severing off. By taking this pup off the mother plant, we are encouraging this parent stock to produce more pups.
We should grow this plant in the tropics or subtropics, a heated greenhouse or indoors away from frost as this is a cold sensitive plant. Nevertheless, this species enjoys a humid atmosphere, and light shade. Also, the plant flushes red in bright light.
It is found growing in the tropical lowland, and montane forests. Altitudes vary from 100 to 2,000-metres (350 to 6,600-feet). Its natural home is Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. We can see this plant growing on rainforest trees, and rocks on the river banks.
This is a species that frosts easily damages. Because of its size, it is best grown outside in a tropical or subtropical area or in a very large greenhouse.
We can find this plant growing on rainforest trees, and in sandy areas near the sea. It is originally from the tropical state of Bahia, Brazil.
Grow this plant in good light, but not direct sunlight, and it will improve the leaf colour. This highly adaptable plant will take almost any weather conditions as it is cold hardy.
In the temperate open forests, this species is found growing on trees, and rocks. The area of its origin is in southern Brazil, at an elevation of 180 to 230-metres (600 to 750-feet).
Although this species will tolerate full sun, and cold weather, it grows better in a shady, sheltered place.
Its natural habitat is in the south of Brazil.
Variety cipperi sometimes known as Blue Flowered Caudata has burnt orange berries that follow the blue blooms.
Variety variegata has green, and cream striped leaves. On this variety leave the pups attached to the parent a little longer than normal before cutting, and separating from the parent plant. To speed up propagation remove the flower spike once it has been formed.
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Aechmea coelestis ‘Albo-marginata’ |
Although the leaves on this plant will bleach, and burn in full sun, it does require good light to grow healthily. Plant in a quick-draining potting mixture, if soil is to be used. Also, place in a frost free winter environment.
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Aechmea dichlamydea v. trinitensis |
Growing this plant is easy in a frost free environment, providing the potting mixture is well drained.
It grows well as an indoor pot plant, or on an epi-log with other plants. If we live in a warm, moist area, we can grow this species on a rough barked tree with horizontal branches.
In its natural habitat, we can find this species growing as an epiphyte or terrestrial. Its place of origin is in the Organ Mountain region in the subtropical state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
‘Albo-marginata’ is a cultivar with two forms: both have leaves edged in white, but one form holds its colour better at maturity, the other cultivar has variegations that fade with age.
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Aechmea fosteriana |
Like most other bromeliads, provide a quickly draining potting mixture, and grow in a frost free winter atmosphere.
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Aechmea fulgo-ramosa |
Although this plant is easy to grow, it does take up plenty of room. Treat it in the same way as other species of Aechmea.
This species prefers an open potting mixture, and light shade. In good light the foliage turns wine red.
We can find Aechmea lasseri growing as an epiphyte in tropical montane forests. It is native to Venezuela, growing at around 1,220 to 1,590-metres (4,000 to 5,200-feet) above sea level. In this tropical montane area, rainfall is heaviest from April to September.
For optimum growth, give this beauty light shade, and from warm to a hot climate. Maximum growth is also helped if the air is kept moist.
This species grows as an epiphyte or as a terrestrial plant, in the deep shade of forest trees. Their natural homes are either lowland or montane rainforests. We can find it growing in Brazil at 270 to 1370-metres (900 to 4500-feet) above sea level.
Syn. Aechmea lagenaria.
Place in near full sun for the best shape, and colour. A species that frosts damage, so we should provide a warm, and moist atmosphere.
They discovered this plant growing in dense clusters in tropical rainforests. This species is native to the state of Bahia, Brazil, growing at an altitude of 400-metres (1,300-feet).
They are a tough plant that likes near full sun. If we grow this plant in a cold area, place it near the top of a heated greenhouse where it gets good light.
In its natural habitat, this plant grows on trees in tropical rainforests. It is found in the islands of the West Indies, Costa Rica, Guiana, and northern Brazil, around 400-metres (1,300-feet) above sea level. The rainy season is from late April to December in this area.
Although this plant is cold tolerant, hard frost will damage or even kill it. It is a plant that likes bright light, which gives it a reddish tan. It is not particular about its potting mixture if it is well-drained. This species forms a good accent plant for the porch or indoors.
‘Alvarez’ is a striped cultivar, and beautifully coloured when given good light. It is a broad plant reaching 50-centimetres (20-inches) wide, yet only 35-centimetres (14-inches) high.
Variety rubra has foliage that is always rich bronze-red.
These plants live in trees, and on the ground. We can find them in tropical Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. They grow at altitudes between 460, and 900-metres (1,500 to 3,000-feet) above sea level.
Provide full sun or light shade to develop the pink suffusion in the leaves. In addition, use a well-drained potting mixture to keep the roots healthy.
Found growing on the ground or high in trees in its natural habitat. We can find them in Costa Rica, between 300, and 1,400-metres (1,000 to 4,600-feet) above sea level.
It grows easily in any well-drained potting mixture, but needs good light. If given these conditions, they make a good house plant.
Found growing as an epiphyte in Brazil. In its natural habitat the rain is spread out evenly throughout the year.
We should grow these plants in light to medium shade. In addition, use a well-drained potting mixture that is always moist.
Their natural home is in the tropical rainforest areas of Trinidad, Guiana, Venezuela, Colombia, Amazonian Peru, and Amazonas, Brazil. We can find this plant growing in trees, and on the ground, from 100 to 1,980-metres (350 to 6,500-feet) above sea level.
They appreciate light shade, and a well-drained potting mixture. As a result, it is an easily grown house plant.
We can find them growing as an epiphyte or terrestrial, in dense shade or full sun in the tropical rainforests. They can be found in their natural habitats from central Mexico to Ecuador. These habitats are always found at an altitude between 250, and 1,500-metres (825, and 4,900-feet).
This cold sensitive species is best grown in the shade. Therefor, grow in a heated greenhouse in cold climates. Always use a well-drained potting mixture to keep the plant’s roots healthy.
They are indigenous to the tropical state of Bahia, Brazil. In particular, this plant grows as an epiphyte at an altitude of 250-metres (825-feet).
In good light it develops a pinkish-tan. Further, this plant is moderately cold hardy, but needs some protection in winter in cold climates. We can grow, and colour them better in light shade.
They are found growing in low, and moist places near the ocean. Their natural habitat is in the subtropical areas of Brazil.
Syn. Gravisia fosteriana.
This species grows on trees in the tropical rainforests of Amazonian Peru, and Colombia. We can find them at an altitude between 100, and 1,000-metres (350, and 3,300-feet) above sea level. This area is hot, and humid with rain heaviest from November to April.
Leaf colours in this species are more intense in bright light. Although this plant is not fussy about the type of potting mixture, providing it is well-drained. They grow successfully on a tree or an epi-log, and soon form an appealing colony.
We can find them growing on trees, and on the ground in the tropical rainforests. Their natural home is from central Mexico to Panama, and the West Indies, down to temperate, southern Brazil. Also, these plants can be found between 30, and 1,830-metres (100, and 6,000-feet) above sea level. Furthermore, this is a plant that should grow easily in any collection, as it adapts to so many climates from tropical heat too temperate cold, and such a huge rainfall variation.
'Albo Marginata’ has bright green leaves. These are lined with yellow, and edged with small spines. The inflorescence is an upright raceme of yellow flowers with the lower part covered by pink floral bracts.
Variety aurio-rosea can be distinguished by the folding at the base of the glossy green leaves. The inflorescence has red bracts, and red petals tipped yellow.
This plant has a natural habitat in the subtropical part of Brazil.
Variety cuspidata also called the Living Vase Plant is variety that has a stiff rosette of glossy green leaves, tubular at the base, and edged with black spines. However, it is larger than Aechmea nudicaulis. The inflorescence has rosy-carmine bracts, and yellow flowers arranged cylindrically on a red axis.
It is a hardy variety that needs to be grown in filtered sunlight.
They are indigenous to an area close to the ocean, growing on the sand dunes, and on rocks also on the low branches of trees in temperate, southern Brazil.
It needs more water in winter than most Aechmea species, and they colour strongly in bright light. It seems to prefer to be mounted on a tree or epi-log than growing in a plant pot. Its tough, woody stolons will attach to the host branch or epi-log within a few weeks.
This bromeliad grows as an epiphyte, and as a terrestrial plant. We can find it in the shade of forest trees, growing in the tropical state of Espirito Santo, Brazil.
‘Ensign’ is a cultivar that grows approximately 25-centimetres (10-inches) high, and wide. Each leaf is striped with white, more heavily at the edges, and covered with red splashes. The plant gives the appearance of being sprayed with red ink.
Furthermore, it is found growing as an epiphyte or a terrestrial plant in warm-temperate forests, and rocky terrain in southern Brazil, at an altitude of 800, and 1,170-metres (2,600, and 5,800-feet).
Overall, most collectors grow this plant mainly for its very attractive foliage. It needs protection in winter, and a well-drained potting mixture.
In its natural habitat, it is an epiphyte growing on low trees, and shrubs, or a terrestrial plant in dry, and rocky areas, also found growing on rocks where the sea in southern Brazil splashes it.
Syn. Aechmea crocophylla.
Found growing as an epiphyte, and as a terrestrial plant in tropical rainforests. They are indigenous to Costa Rica, Colombia, and Brazil, at an altitude of 180 to 370-metres (600 to 1,200-feet).
Although it needs bright light, avoid full sun to bring out its full colour. In addition, a well-drained potting mixture is essential.
Originally, it was discovered growing as epiphytes in the moist woodlands of temperate, southern Brazil.
Variety minuta is a miniature form with copper green leaves, edged with black spines, and forming a compact vase. The inflorescence has straight red bracts, and yellow flowers. This inflorescence stays brilliant for months.
Grow this plant on the dry side of moist in winter, and provide bright light.
This species is frost tender so give some protection in winter. Grow in light shade: such as filtered morning sun, and shade for the rest of the day.
Found growing in light shade of rainforest trees in Brazil. Moreover, they grow at an altitude of 470-metres (1,550-feet).
If grown in a pot, the potting mixture must be well-drained. Also, it prefers to be grown in light shade for the best leaf colour.
Enjoying a moist climate, these epiphytic plants come from the temperate, moist forests of southern Brazil. They grow at low elevations around 700-metres (2,300-feet).
Variety benrathii is the dwarf of the species with shiny leaves forming a tiny rosette that has a purplish-black centre. At flowering time, the inside leaves turn bright red. Nestled down inside the purplish-red bracts are red flowers. In shape, it is similar to a Tillandsia.This variety looks attractive, and grows easily on an epi-log with other epiphytes. If we grow it in bright light to near full sun, the colour is more outstanding.
Variety ortgeisii has dark spines that edge the strong, leathery foliage. These leaves grow about 30 to 40-centimetres (12 to 16-inches) tall. From the centre of the mature rosette grows the inflorescence. It is short, and compact, with their pink flower heads sitting inside a nest of colourful bracts, and protected by a collar of leaves.
For the best growth keep this plant on the dry side. Furthermore, place it in full sun in winter, and light shade in summer so the outside leaves turn a shiny pink.
We can find this variety growing between the lowlands, and 300-metres (1,000-feet) high.
Variety recurvata has recurved, spiny leaves that are narrow, and grey-green at the tips. Also, these leaves form a small rosette with a bulb like base. Later, the 180-centimetres (71-inches) high inflorescence appears, it has lavender blue petals, and bracts.
Although this plant can take up to full sunshine, it improves with light shade in summer when it is grown in hot, dry climates. We must provide a well-drained potting mixture to keep the roots healthy. In addition, this plant will grow in the garden provided the soil is well-drained, and the weather is frost free.
In its natural home, this species can be found growing as an epiphyte or a terrestrial, in light shade to full sunshine. Furthermore, they are found growing in tropical to temperate areas of Brazil, Uruguay, the northern part of Argentina, and Paraguay. These plants grow from sea level to 670-metres (2,200-feet).
Growing in the wild, we can find this species on trees in the tropical rainforests of Amazonian Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana. They grow between 120, and 1,200-metres (400, and 3,950-feet) above sea level.
Variety kienastii is a variety with narrow, light green leaves that form a small, upright rosettes, 15 to 30-centimetres (6 to 12-inches) high. On its inflorescence are pink, serrated bracts, and yellow flowers, followed by white berries which turn blue with age.
They grow on rainforest trees in tropical, southern Mexico, to the tropical Amazon Basin. We can find them growing to an altitude of 300-metres (1,000-feet), in very humid conditions.
Variety lutea has narrow, leathery, grey-green leaves that form an open rosette. The inflorescence is upright growing with orange bracts, and yellow flowers.
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Aechmea triangularis |
In bright light, this species stays smaller, the leaves turn golden-yellow, and have red tips.
They grow on trees in tropical, Esperito Santo, Brazil. Normally, we find them at altitudes between 550, and 720-metres (1,800, and 2,400-feet) above sea level.
We can grow this plant better in bright light. A well-drained potting mixture is necessary as the roots easily rot if the soil becomes stagnant.
They are found growing on thickets as epiphytes in northeastern Peru. The altitude they are normally found is around 1160-metres (3,800-feet).
We need good drainage to keep this species healthy. Also, it should be grown in medium shade for the best results.
We can find this plant growing as an epiphyte in the moist woods. They are native to temperate southern Brazil.
Variety leodiensis carries the common name of Tropical Lilac. It has leaves that are soft, and shiny with a touch of dark salmon. Each plant has the backs of their leaves tinted with wine red. In addition, they have an inflorescence that is an upright panicle with crimson bracts, and orchid coloured flowers.
For ultimate growth, and flowering we need light shade to grow this species, as full sun scorches the leaves. Good drainage is essential when grown in a pot, as the roots rot easily in wet soil. This plant is magnificent planted on an epi-log or grown in a tree.
Moreover, this plant grows high in the tops of rainforest trees where the stolons creep, and curl around the host plant branches. These rainforest trees are in Colombia, and Ecuador at 850-metres (2,800-feet) above sea level.
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Aechmea ‘Bert’ |
This cold sensitive plant grows strongly on an epi-log or on rock. If grown in a container, it should have a very well drained potting mixture to keep the roots healthy. It has no problems growing on trees in the moist tropics as it is better in a warm moist atmosphere. In the home, it will grow easily if given good light, and kept free of frost.
They created this hybrid by crossing Aechmea orlandiana with Aechmea fosteriana.
Aechmea ‘Bert Variegata’ is a variegated leaved sport of the above clone.
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Aechmea ‘Big Stuff’ |
If grown in a greenhouse, plenty of room should be made available to fit the spread of this plant.
It is a hybrid between Aechmea victoriana variety discolor, and Aechmea racinae. This Hummel hybrid is similar to Aechmea ‘Fosters Favourite’ but is more black.
Fortunately, this plant is cold hardy to 5o Celsius. (41o Fahrenheit) but it needs light shade for the best leaf colour, so growing it should be easy for most people. It adapts well to a small container if the potting mixture is well-drained.
By crossing Aechmea dealbata with Aechmea miniata, and then crossing the results with Aechmea fasciata, this hybrid was produced. For the best results, keep on the dry side, and in light shade.
Aechmea victoriana was crossed with Aechmea racinae to create this beauty. With different quantities of light, the striking leaf colour changes from glowing coppery rose to wine red or maroon.
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Aechmea ‘Fosters Favourite Red Ribbon’ |
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Aechmea ‘J. C. Superstar’’ |
Aechmea miniata variety discolor was crossed with Aechmea fulgens variety discolor to give us this hansom plant. It revels in dappled sunlight, and a warm, moist climate.
This is an Aechmea recurvata hybrid that likes to grow in bright light. Full sun in the early morning, and later in the afternoon, with dappled sunlight in the middle of the day, keeps this hybrid looking at its best.
This plant is another Hummel hybrid. This time Hummel used Aechmea penduliflora, and Aechmea mutica for parents.
They created this hybrid with a cross between Aechmea miniata variety discolor, and Aechmea victoriana variety discolor.
This hybrid genus is a mixture of two genera: Ananas, this is a terrestrial genus, and Aechmea a genus that is mostly epiphytic.
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Anamea ‘Scorpio’ |