Aechmea Bromeliad, Urn Plant, Fire Staff

This is a very tropical bromeliad from the brazilian southeastern rainforests. It may grow as an epiphyte, but is usually found directly ...Read Moreon the ground.

The leaves are leathery, light green, spiny leaves, and form a more or less open rosette, where water is stored. In late winter, a tall, rigid inflorescence emerges from the middle of the plant. The stalk is pink, densely covered with special, white hairs (or scales, in this case), so it looks light pink. It has showy red bracts above the flowers. These are small, bright yellow, and last one day. In the next day, the petals turn black, but they stay on the inflorescence, and besides the color, it looks like a normal flower. You have this effect of yellow and black flowers at the same inflorescence (guarded by the red bracts). This inflorescence can reach up to 1m tall, exceptionally more.

This plant likes well drained organic soil, regular watering (always keep the middle of the plant full of water), partial shade, and high temperatures.