Aechmea fasciata

Aechmea fasciata

Urn Plant

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Urn PlantSilver Vase Plant

Context

nativeRegion

Brazil (southeastern rainforests)

usdaZones

10–12 (outdoors), commonly grown indoors elsewhere

companionPlants

Neoregalia spp., Tillandsia spp., Philodendron spp., Ferns

culturalUses

Ornamental houseplant; valued for architectural foliage and long-lasting inflorescence.

Care

LightBright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct sun but avoid harsh midday light.

WateringWater the central cup (tank) occasionally, keep it about 1/3 full; allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

SoilWell-draining, airy bromeliad or orchid mix; avoid heavy or water-retentive soils.

FertilizerDilute balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season, either in soil or central cup.

HumidityPrefers high humidity (50-70%), but tolerates average indoor levels.

TemperatureThrives in 60–80°F (16–27°C); protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

HabitEvergreen epiphytic or terrestrial rosette-forming perennial.

Mature SizeLeaves form a rosette up to 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide and tall.

Growth RateModerate; typically takes 3–4 years to flower.

BloomingProduces a single showy pink inflorescence with bluish or violet flowers, lasting several months.

DormancyNo true dormancy, but growth slows in cooler months.

MethodsOffsets (pups), Seed (rarely used)

DifficultyEasy (offsets), difficult (seed)

Best SeasonSpring or early summer (when pups appear)

PruningRemove faded flowers and dead leaves; remove pups when mature.

RepottingEvery 2–3 years or when plant outgrows container.

Pests & DiseasesWatch for scale, mealybugs, and fungal rot from overwatering.

ToxicityNon-toxic to pets and humans.

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