Genus guide
Aechmea — 27 species
Part of the Bromeliads & air plants family (Bromeliaceae)
Aechmea is a diverse South American bromeliad genus best known for the bold Urn Plant (Aechmea fasciata), with its silver-banded foliage and long-lasting pink-and-purple flower spike. Plants thrive in bright indirect light — an east or west window is ideal — and are watered via their central cup, which should be kept filled and flushed every couple of weeks with rainwater or filtered water. Toxicity varies across species, so check each individual Aechmea before buying if you have cats or dogs, and consult the ASPCA database for the specific variety.
All Aechmea species we cover
- Aechmea 'Blue Rain'
- Aechmea 'Foster's Favorite'
- Aechmea blanchetiana
- Aechmea chantinii
- Aechmea cylindrata
- Aechmea gamosepala
- Aechmea nudicaulis
- Aechmea orlandiana
- Aechmea recurvata
- Bracted Aechmea
- Christmas Jewels Bromeliad
- Coral Berry Bromeliad
- Coral Berry Bromeliad
- Little Calyx Aechmea
- Mexican Aechmea
- Miniature Coral Berry Bromeliad
- Pinel's Aechmea
- Pinel's Aechmea
- Queen Mary Bromeliad
- Silver Vase Bromeliad
- Silver Vase Plant
- Tailed Aechmea
- Two-Ranked Aechmea
- Two-ranked Bromeliad
- Urn Plant (Aechmea fasciata)
- Weilbach's Aechmea
- Weilbach's Aechmea
Aechmea — frequently asked questions
Are Aechmea plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Aechmea are pet-safe. Of the 27 Aechmea species we cover, 26 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 1 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Aechmea plants need?
Most Aechmea do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Aechmea easy to care for?
Aechmea are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Aechmea varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 27 Aechmea species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Aechmea, the rest follow closely.
Comparing apps rather than plants? PictureThis alternatives — 7 plant ID apps compared.