Overview

Aechmea bromeliifolia is a rosette-forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Aechmea, part of the Bromeliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Aechmea bromeliifolia grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include houseplant. It is native to Argentina Northeast, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico Southeast, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago and Venezuela.

About

Aechmea bromeliifolia is a rosette-forming bromeliad grown mainly as a conservatory or houseplant. It retains evergreen leaves and flowers in the UK between June and September. The species prefers partial shade and a sheltered aspect, making it suited to indoor or protected positions. Plant in neutral loam kept at moderate moisture rather than waterlogged conditions.

About the genus

Aechmea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae. The name comes from the Greek aichme, meaning "spear". Suggested pronunciations include EEK-me-ə and eek-MEE-ə.

Wikipedia contributors, "Aechmea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aechmea

In the garden

Aechmea bromeliifolia sits in the Bromeliaceae and is native across parts of Mexico, Central America, Trinidad and much of South America. As a rosette-forming evergreen, it is commonly kept in conservatories or as a houseplant where conditions can be moderated away from frosts. Position it in partial shade with an east- or west-facing aspect and shelter from cold winds. Use a neutral loam and aim for moderate soil moisture; avoid extremes of drought or standing water. Its UK hardiness rating is H2, meaning it is half-hardy and should not be left exposed to winter temperatures — keep it indoors or in a heated greenhouse during colder months. In the UK it works well as a conservatory specimen or as a potted houseplant on a bright, sheltered windowsill. Expect flowering from June to September while the plant remains evergreen, so you can plan displays where the seasonal blooms sit above the rosette of leaves.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aechmea

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moderate

Aspect

East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Aechmea bromeliifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants

Habit

Rosette-forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplant

Native to

Argentina Northeast, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico Southeast, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aechmea bromeliifolia

Propagation

Offsets

Pest resistance

Moderate

Disease resistance

Moderate

Frequently asked questions