Aechmea fasciata image • Photo: Author Paul & Aline Burland• CC BY-SA 2.0↗
Aechmea fasciata is a slow-growing bromeliad with a striking architectural form, reaching 30–90 cm (12–35 in) in height and up to 60 cm (24 in) spread. It features elliptic-oval leaves arranged in a basal rosette pattern, growing 45–90 cm (18–35 in) long with silvery-gray banding and spiny margins. The plant produces a tall pink flower spike with blue-purple tubular flowers emerging from pink bracts, though it only blooms once in its lifetime. Its water-holding central cup and epiphytic growth habit make it distinct among houseplants.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Aechmea fasciata
Light Requirements
Partial shade to bright indirect light; tolerates brief morning sun but requires protection from intense afternoon sunlight
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Keep central cup filled with water (flush weekly to prevent stagnation) and water soil when surface dries out
Humidity Needs
high humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
18–27°C (65–80°F)
Native Climate
Native to Brazil (Atlantic Forest biome)
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining epiphytic mix: orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss (3:1:1 ratio) or commercial bromeliad mix
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Aechmea fasciata plants
Separate pups (offsets) 15-20 cm tall using sterilized knife, ensuring each has some roots. Plant in well-draining medium.
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Brazil (Atlantic Forest biome)
slow
30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall with 60 cm (24 in) spread
Perennial (monocarpic - dies after flowering but produces pups)
Pet safety unknown
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
Late spring to summer
Flower Description
Pink inflorescence bracts up to 30 cm tall with small violet-blue tubular flowers that emerge sequentially. Flower spike persists for 3-6 months.
Fun Fact
Can be grown as an air plant mounted on driftwood using waterproof glue, absorbing moisture through its leaf trichomes rather than roots.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Aechmea fasciata
Mushy brown roots, yellowing leaves, plant instability in soil
Small brown/white bumps clustered in leaf axils, sticky residue on leaves
Blackened base leaves, foul odor from central cup
Varieties
Different varieties of Aechmea fasciata
A cultivar with deeper pink floral bracts and more pronounced purple leaf undersides
Commercial hybrid with wider leaves and more symmetrical growth habit
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Aechmea fasciata
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