About

Aechmea 'Blue Rain' PBR is a frost-sensitive, evergreen epiphytic perennial that reaches approximately 60 cm in height. It features glossy, deep green leaves that are long and strap-like, arranged in a rosette at the base. During the summer, a compact spike emerges, showcasing deep blue to purple-blue flowers accompanied by purple-red bracts, all supported by a red stem that rises above the leaves. After flowering, the plant produces fleshy, red fruits.

About the genus

Aechmea consists of evergreen perennials that develop funnel-like rosettes composed of long, strap-like leaves. At the top, they produce a spike of tubular flowers, frequently accompanied by vibrant, triangular bracts, which are succeeded by fleshy fruits.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1B

Plant details

Plant type
Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow epiphytically, or in epiphytic bromeliad compost, in bright, filtered light in a heated greenhouse, or as a houseplant. See bromeliad cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by offsets
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free