Brazilian Vaseplant

Common name(s): Brazilian Vaseplant

Scientific name: Aechmea distichantha

Plant family: BROMELIACEAE

Origin: South America

Description: Plant is made up of spreading spikes with several striking blue, white or purple flowers surrounded by pink bracts. Grow about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide and the flower spike extends above the foliage. The flowers darken with age, becoming a dull red color. They are very spiny with a sharp spine on the tip of each leaf. The leaves can also take reddish tints in the sun when they flower.

Growing Conditions: Grows best in full sun to partial shade in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Drought tolerant and the leaves are not damaged by frost or periods of hard freeze. They bloom once in the spring and the plant dies after flowering while the flowers still last. The flower spike lasts a very long time and with several plants the succession of blooms can extend for months. The plant is easy to take care of and durable

Wildlife: Beware of scale and mosquitoes which like to breed in the trapped water in the leaves.

Relation to Nehrling Gardens:

Location in Gardens: E6-F6

Additional Information: The Brazilian vase plant is one of the most indestructible bromeliads you can own.

 

Sponsored by: Ruth Ann & Fred Stoerkel

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