Care of the indoor plant Aechmea recurvata or False Tillandsia |
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The genus Aechmea, family Bromeliaceae, includes more than 250 species of epiphytic and terrestrial bromeliads native to South America, Mexico and Central America. Some species are: Aechmea recurvata, Aechmea distichantha, Aechmea weilbachii, Aechmea fendleri, Aechmea fasciata, Aechmea caudata. Common names: False Tillandsia, Urn plant. This species is native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. They are small bromeliads that form compact groups and reach 15-20 cm (6-8") in height. The leaves are arranged in a rosette, have an elongated triangular shape with thorns on the margin and are green with purple or reddish tones. Small white flowers appear in the center of the rosette wrapped in attractive red bracts. They are used in pots as indoor and greenhouse plants. In tropical and subtropical climates they are used in pots for patios, terraces and hanging from walls. Aechmea recurvata grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures and in hot climates. It does not resist temperatures below 12 ºC (53.6 ºF). The soil can be a commercial orchid substrate with a little bit of peat moss or a mixture of normal garden soil, coarse sand and peat in the same proportions. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to be dry; water the rosette twice a week in summer. They resist drought well. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by separation of the lateral suckers produced by the mother plant. |
Images of the indoor plant Aechmea recurvata or False Tillandsia |
 Aechmea recurvata  Aechmea recurvata  Aechmea recurvata |