Question
I just received probably the most awesome/prehistoric looking plant ive ever seen and i have no idea how to care for it. I need the basics for this little guy so i dont end of killing it. Im not sure if its just a house plant, if it can be planted outside, what kind of soil it needs, how much sunlight, i do know it needs watered 2x a week and the leaves need to be kept moist. Hard facts much appreciated!! thanks!!

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Your Aechmea is a type of Bromeliad. Bromeliad flowers last for 3 to 5 months in good conditions and that makes them among the longest-lasting of all flowers. However, after the flower fades, the main plant very slowly starts to die. At the same time new baby plants or offsets emerge from the base of the plant. They will grow and become full grown plants to replace the original or "mother" plant.

Your Aechmea is a tropical plant and should not be planted outside. In fact, it should not be repotted even though it may look top-heavy. You can double-pot it into a larger pot, but leave the roots undisturbed.

It does best on a sunny windowsill or at least within a few feet of a sunny window. The more indoor sunlight it receives, the longer the flower will last.

A thorough watering once per week is usually adequate although it might need to be watered a bit more frequently if inside temps are unusually warm. Although misting the leaves does no harm, it is entirely unnecessary. Fertilize it monthly at half the recommended label strength.

I have written an article on Bromeliad care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected]. It includes detailed information on what to do with the offsets after they have emerged.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com