About

Aechmea fasciata 'Primera' is a tropical, evergreen perennial that develops a rosette of elongated, gray foliage. At its center, a compact cluster of small purple blossoms emerges, encircled by spiky pink bracts. This vibrant display can be seen throughout the year.

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

Plant details

Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Houseplants

Care notes

Cultivation
Where temperatures do not drop below 10°C it can be grown outdoors as an epiphyte, or in moist, gritty, humus-rich soil. Elsewhere it can be grown as a house or conservatorty plant in pots of epiphytic bromeliad compost, positioned in bright, filtered light. See bromeliad cultivation for further information
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by removal of offsets
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free