This rhizomatous epiphytic perennial has rosettes of strap-like pale green leaves that become reddish and forms a clump. The small tube-shaped yellow flowers appear in clusters, on a short stem in the centre of the plant from winter to spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12 

Aechmea pineliana is naturally found in South America growing in south-eastern Brazil on trees and rock outcrops in forests. It prefers a warm humid semi shaded position and growing in moist composted leaf mould with wind, frost and drought protection. 

This Vase Plant is grown for its colourful foliage. It is used in tropical gardens as an under story plant or grown in trees. It is also grown as a container plant and establishes from division in 2 to 4 years. In sunny areas the leaves turn bright red and it is planted along front garden borders or on old logs in bushland gardens and around a water feature for a tropical effect. ID 2007

Aechmea (iek-MEE-a)  pineliana (pin-ē-lee-ana)

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