Aechmea fasciata
The Bromeliads are loving this weather. Days on end of rain where it goes from torrential downpour one moment to drizzle and fine mist the next is not great for other plants which like a hot dry summer such as Western Australian natives , Mediterranean plants and succulents. These can succumb to root rot diseases during this weather. The misty rain swirls around the hills then become low cloud and fog.
Aechmea fasciata needs no special introduction as it has been grown by the millions for use as a long blooming house plant since the early part of the 19th century. It was brought to Europe from its homeland Rio de Janeiro in 1826. It has the classic vase shape of the Bromeliad family with attractive silver banding and a striking shocking pink flower head made up of bracts containing iridescent blue flowers.This flower head is often held on a stem of about 15cm which makes it ideal for picking as shown in the top photo.In the garden it prefers a spot in dappled shade under trees. It is a good container plant in a cool climate and can be taken inside before the first frost. I use a bark based orchid mix for potting Bromeliads and slow release fertilizer.
Aechmea fasciata needs no special introduction as it has been grown by the millions for use as a long blooming house plant since the early part of the 19th century. It was brought to Europe from its homeland Rio de Janeiro in 1826. It has the classic vase shape of the Bromeliad family with attractive silver banding and a striking shocking pink flower head made up of bracts containing iridescent blue flowers.This flower head is often held on a stem of about 15cm which makes it ideal for picking as shown in the top photo.In the garden it prefers a spot in dappled shade under trees. It is a good container plant in a cool climate and can be taken inside before the first frost. I use a bark based orchid mix for potting Bromeliads and slow release fertilizer.
Ian, what a spectacular looking plant! Not only is it beautiful in color; it also has character in its shape.
ReplyDeleteI have some pups to pot up and am rather new at growing bromeliads so it's timely that you mentioned the potting mix you use ... thanks.
ReplyDelete