Aechmea orlandiana

Big, bold, toothy…Aechmea orlandiana is a standout bromeliad, a centerpiece. An upright grower that should stay under 12 inches (25 cm) in height, and slightly less in diameter. The spines are not overly sharp or stiff, so there’s not a lot of concern that you’ll get cut up if you have to work around them. This species was discovered in the Brazilan coastal state of Espírito Santo. This species has a bright red upright inflorescence.

General Care Information

Summarizing many different sources, Bromeliads are usually grown mounted (epiphytically), although they can be potted in well-draining substrates. There are many ways to mount a bromeliad, the main goal is to prevent movement until new roots can firmly anchor the plant.

On the whole, these tropical plants appreciate humidity and tropical temperatures. Their central “tank” or water storage cup should be periodically flushed with fresh water. They also appreciate air movement. Strong lighting and minimal nutrient availability produces the best color (aka. “growing hard”); coloration will vary in the plants you receive and will change depending on your growing conditions.

Bromeliads produce “pups”, asexually-produced new growths on stolons which ultimately grow into another mature plant. Individual bromeliad growths can last up to 3-4 years; they will bloom only once (in the case of this Aechmea, a long pendulous spray of blue-tipped red flowers), and start to fade and die thereafter, leaving behind their pups. Buying pups means the plants you receive are younger and will last longer, while larger plants offer instant gratification and will get you to the pupping stage sooner. General recommendations are that pups should not be removed until they are half the size of the mother plant, and removing pups can encourage more to be produced during the lifespan of the mother plant.

About MiniWaters Vivarium Plants

Any plant whose cultivation condition is denoted as “sanitized” has been put through MiniWater’s bleach treatment and have been held in animal-free conditions following this treatment. While we do not guarantee our plants to be disease and pest free, we believe we are offering the lowest-risk plants possible. We encourage all customers to sanitize any plants they purchase from us, or any other vendor or hobbyist, prior to their use with your animals.

Visit www.MiniWaters.fish/vivplants for further details about how we grow our plants animal-free with organic methodologies while integrated pest management protocols, as well as detailed instructions for our bleach-sanitizing process.