Aechmea

Aechmea fasciata

Urnplant

Aechmea fasciata is an epiphytic bromeliad from the forests of southeastern Brazil, growing perched on bark rather than in soil, so it wants fast-draining mix, good airflow, and bright indirect light. Water the loose, gritty mix only when the top inch has dried, hedging toward the longer interval, since the roots rot if kept wet. If a central cup is present, keep a little fresh water in it and flush it periodically rather than letting it stagnate.

Aechmea blanchetiana

Orangeade Bromeliad

Aechmea blanchetiana is a Brazilian epiphytic bromeliad that grows perched on other surfaces, so its roots anchor more than they feed and rot quickly if left sitting wet. Give it bright indirect light and a fast-draining, airy mix, and water only when the top inch or two of mix has gone dry. As a tank bromeliad it can hold a little water in its central cup; if you use the cup, keep it shallow and flush it occasionally to prevent stagnation.

Aechmea gamosepala

Matchstick Plant

Aechmea gamosepala is a bromeliad, a family of largely epiphytic plants that grow on tree branches and drain quickly, so it wants free-draining mix and good airflow and will rot if left sitting wet. Give bright indirect light and water when the top inch of mix has dried, allowing it to approach dryness between waterings. If it forms a central cup of leaves, keep a little fresh water there and refresh it periodically to prevent stagnation.

Aechmea distichantha

Brazilian Vaseplant

A bromeliad from South America that grows on trees and rock rather than in soil, so it drains fast and rots if left sitting wet. Pot it in a loose, free-draining mix and water when the top inch or two has dried, letting it approach dryness between waterings; if it holds a central cup, keep a little fresh water there and flush it occasionally. Give it bright indirect light and good airflow, away from harsh direct sun.

Aechmea bracteata

Vase Bromeliad

Aechmea bracteata is an epiphytic bromeliad from Central American and northern South American forests, growing on tree branches where its roots dry quickly and never sit wet. Give it bright indirect light and a fast-draining, airy mix, and water when the top inch of mix is dry, keeping a little soft water in the central cup but emptying and refreshing it to prevent stagnation. It rots if kept soggy, so err toward drier rather than wetter.