Aechmea distichantha Seeds - Frost Hardy Exotic Brazilian Bromeliad - NEW

Aechmea is a genus of the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Bromelioideae. The name comes from the Greek “aichme” (a spear). Aechmea has 8 subgenera and 255 species distributed from Mexico through South America. Most of the species in this genus are epiphytes but some are terrestrial, and some can go either way. Aechmea plants are evergreen bromeliads that feature either colorful banded and variegated leaves or leaves covered with gray scales depending on the species. Leaves can be fine and wiry or broad with a leathery texture.

         
The leaves grow in a tight, stemless, overlapping rosette that forms a vase which can hold more than 3.5 Litres of water. This reserve water supply helps the plant survive during dry periods. The vase also serves as a catch basin for dust, leaves, bird droppings, insects, and even small animals, which act as a natural fertilizer. Flowering stalks bloom in the spring from the plant's center leaf rosette. Flowers are usually rosy pink in color. Aechmea species are some of the best known and most widely grown bromeliads. They do well both as indoor houseplants and as ornamentals in the garden.

Aechmea distichantha commonly known as Brazilian Vase Plant or just plain Vase Plant is a bromeliad typical of Cerrado vegetation in Brazil, which is also native to northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This plant is often used as an exotic ornamental plant in South Africa. An excellent choice for the coast and harsh conditions, Aechmea distichantha will retain a display of show stopping flowers for months. It is an extremely beautiful bromeliad with an inflorescence that lasts for up to 2 months. It is one of the cold hardiest bromeliads, handling harsh frosts easily.