The Silver Vase (Aechmea fasciata syn. Billbergia rhodocyanea), as it is often called, is an epiphytic rhizomatous perennial plant, in its natural state, in Brazil where it originates, but as it fears the cold and requires at least 10°C, it does well indoors , in our latitudes.
Its rosette-shaped evergreen foliage has thorny edges, colored green and silver caused by the whitish powdery deposit, with mottling. These broad, leathery ribbon-like leaves can measure up to 60cm in length.
At the heart of the rosette develops, all year round but mainly in summer, a stem whose floral spike bears purple flowers and pink bracts, harmonizing marvelously well with the silvery foliage. Flowering persists for a long time, usually several months.
Each rosette flowers only once but the plant is perpetuated by two to three shoots which are born at the base. Thus, after the death of the last flowers, the rosette also withers and then dies.
This silver vase proves to be very hardy and easy to grow indoors, making it a plant of choice for beginners.
- Family: Bromeliaceae
- Type: epiphytic perennial / houseplant
- Origin: Brazil
- Color: purple flowers, pink bracts, silvery green foliage
- Sowing: no
- Cutting: no
- Planting: spring
- Flowering: all year round
- Height: 30 cm (60 cm wide)
Ideal soil and exposure for the silver vase
Aechmea fasciata is grown in a light situation without direct sun, in an acid substrate composed of potting soil, coconut fiber and perlite. The temperature should not drop below 15°C in winter or exceed 27°C in summer.
Date of multiplication and planting of Aechmea fasciata
Propagation is done by separation of suckers when the mother plant is completely dried out. Thus, they are then well developed with a small root network. Planted in an acid substrate, warm, with good humidity, will make them resume quickly.
Board of maintenance and culture of Aechmea fasciata
Watering with non-calcareous water should help keep the soil moist, especially when the flower stalk is forming, but without excess. Spraying the foliage every 2 to 3 days increases the humidity appreciated by the plant, just like placing it in a saucer filled with clay pebbles or gravel.
The pouring of water into the rosette, especially in winter, is not necessary: it is done naturally in nature by tropical rains but does not have to be imitated indoors.
Diseases, pests and parasites of the silver slime
Water in the cup in the center of the rosette frequently leads to base rot. Scale insects can also settle on the leaves.
Location and favorable association of Aechmea fasciata
It is a plant that is grown indoors, with subdued light, but which can spend the summer outdoors, in the shade, provided you do not forget to sprinkle it with rain each time you water the garden.
Recommended species and varieties of Aechmea for planting in the garden
Genre Aechmea counts around 200 species in total but the silver vase (Aechmea fasciata syn. Billbergia rhodocyanea) largely dominates the market. Other species include Aechmea fulgens which has its followers thanks to its bright green leaves and its stem with red flowers, Aechmea chantinii which has medium green leaves marked with greyish and inflorescences with red bracts…