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Saturday, November 8, 2008


latin name: Aechmea fasciata
common name: Silver vase
family: Bromeliaceae (b)
group: Bromeliads
minimal winter temperature: 18°-20°C
ideal temperature: 26°-28°C
soil: bromeliad soil A
Height: 60 cm
rarity: yes

Aechmea fasciata is an epiphytic Bromeliad from Brazil. Aechmeas are among the most beautiful of all Bromeliads for indoor decoration. Large, colorful blooms rise high above the vase-shaped rosette of leaves.

Blooming time: Most Bromeliads will flower naturally when they reach maturity; they can also be made to flower by supplying the substances which begin bud formation: for example, enclose the entire plant ( with its cup empty of water to prevent excessive humidity buildup) in a plastic bag together with a ripe apple. The apple gives off ethylene gas which stimulates flowering in Bromeliads. Leave plant and apple in the plastic bag for 7-10 days; f lower will appear in 1-2 months.

Culture: Add peatmoss to an equal volume of general house plant mix for a humusy and well drained combination. Soil may dry out between waterings. Keep water in central cup formed by leafy rosette. Fertilize every 1-2 months, applied to the soil. Or fill the cup with half-strength dilution of fertilizer every month.

Propagation: After flowering, Bromeliads produce side shoots (offsets), which may be removed while young and rooted for additional plants.

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