This epiphytic rhizomatous perennial has upright foliage and forms a clump. It has large strap-like dark green leaves with grey streaks and arranged in a funnel-shape. The bluish tube-shaped flowers appear in central spike amongst the pink bracts in summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Aechmea fasciata is naturally found in south-eastern Brazil growing as epiphyte in porous humus rich soils with added leaf mould. It prefers a semi-shaded position with high humidity, but tolerates a sunny open position and is frost and drought tender.

The Pink Vase Plant is a popular epiphytic plant that is grown as a container plant or in group plantings around a water feature. It is also placed in trees in a rainforest setting for tropical effect. In cool climates it is grown under glass establishing from offsets in 2 to 3 years. It is fairly hardy and the flower heads are persistent on the plant. It is the most commonly cultivated bromeliad. ID 1257

Aechmea(iek-MEE-a) fasciata(fas-see-AIT-a)

Bromeliaceae(bro-mee-lee-AY-see-ee)