Aechmea fasciata

Aechmea fasciata, the silver vase or, urn plant, is a species of flowering plant in the bromeliad family, native to Brazil. This plant is probably the best known species in this genus, and it is often grown as a houseplant in temperate areas.

Aechmea fasciata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Aechmea
Subgenus: Aechmea subg. Platyaechmea
Species:
A. fasciata
Binomial name
Aechmea fasciata

Habit

The plant grows slowly, reaching 30–90 cm (12–35 in) in height, with a spread of up to 60 cm (24 in). It has elliptic–oval-shaped leaves 45–90 cm (18–35 in) long and arranged in a basal rosette pattern.[2]

Growing conditions

Aechmea fasciata requires partial shade and a well-drained, but moisture-retentive soil. It can also be grown epiphytically, as, for example, with moss around its roots and wired to rough bark. Root rot can be a problem if the soil is too moist.[2]

Scale insects and mosquitos will sometimes breed in the pools of water that are trapped between the leaves.[2]

Toxicity

Aechmea fasciata is listed in the FDA Poisonous Plant Database under the section for "Skin irritating substances in plants" and is known to cause contact dermititis, phytophoto dermatitis, and contact allergy.[3]

Cultivars
  • xAndrolaechmea 'Crateriformis'
  • xBillmea 'Rangitoto'
  • xCanmea 'Wild Tiger'
  • xNeomea 'Fascidorffii'
  • xNeomea 'Pink Cascade'
  • xNidumea 'Angellina'
  • xNidumea 'Midnight'
  • xNidumea 'Superstar'
  • xQuesmea 'Facsimile'
  • Aechmea 'bifolia'

References
  1. "Aechmea fasciata". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  2. Gilman, Edward F. (October 1999). Aechmea fasciata (PDF) (Report). University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
  3. "FDA Poisonous Plant Database". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 21 July 2014.


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