Aechmea Fasciata - Long Lasting Color
Aechmea fasciata (also known as the Urn Plant or Silver Vase Plant) are
one of the most popular bromeliad species.
They are commonly kept
indoors as houseplants; however, they can be displayed outdoors as long
as they are brought inside before the first frost.
The dark green arching leaves are banded with silver-white, and have a
waxy finish. The smooth finish helps the plant gather water in its
reservoir.
Individual leaves can grow to 15 in/37.5 cm in length, and bromeliad
height can reach 20 in/50 cm. Urn Plants produce beautiful, pink bracts
containing blue flowers that persist for 4 to 6 weeks. The blue flowers
are short-lived and eventually turn red.
Aechmea Fasciata (Urn
Plant) Care Tips
Lighting Requirements
Silver Vase bromeliad plants require bright light with some direct

sun. When moving this plant
outside, take care to the plant to direct sun slowly. This will prevent
scorched leaves.
Temperature Requirements
In the summer, plants enjoy outdoor conditions (as long as the
temperatures range between 70 - 85° F / 21 - 30° C. Bring plant indoors
from fall to early spring. Room temperature should average 65
- 75° F / 18 - 24° C.
Fertilizer
In the summer, feed monthly with a liquid fertilizer mixed at ½ the
normal strength. Spray it on the leaves and fill the reservoir at least
1 in / 2.5 cm deep. Empty the reservoir and fill with fresh water after
one week. In winter, fertilize bromeliad every other month.
Water
Add water to the reservoir when it dries out – at least every ten days.
Do not allow standing water to sit in the reservoir – change it weekly
if necessary. Lightly water the roots on a weekly basis in the
summer. Aechmea fasciata will require less water in the
winter. Keep soil slightly moist - do not allow the roots to dry out
completely.
Soil
Use an orchid potting soil or a bromeliad mix. Add peatmoss to an equal
volume of general house plant mix for well draining combination.
Propogation
Divide and repot offsets when they are four to six months old and at
least 6 in / 15 cm tall.
Repotting
Repot young plants annually in the spring until they fill an eight inch
pot.
Longetivity
Silver Vase bromeliads reach full maturity in three to four years.
Selection
In addition to the mottled green leafed form, ‘Purpurea’ features
leaves brushed with maroon. ‘Variegata has creamy stripes on the
leaves.
Uses and Display Tips
Display near plants with lush foliage (such as ferns or flowering
plants) and similar lighting requirements. Young offsets can be mounted
on a piece of wood for one season.