Aechmea Brevicollis Plant Care Guide

Did you know that Aechmea brevicollis obtain their nourishment from the leaves? Bromeliads rely on their roots for balance but not for nutrition transport.

Instead, the leaves absorb all of the plant’s water and nutrients. Here’s another fun fact about this beauty: The Brevicollis is a member of the Bromeliaceae family, the family of the Bromeliad species.

This plant is one of the 285 to 310 species of the genus Aechmea. And that’s for sure many of them.

The Aechmea brevicollis is also a perennial plant that has basal dark green leaves. They have serrate edges and parallel venation and are linear and sessile. Capituli of beautiful greenish-yellow tubular flowers is the blooms of this plant.

They also produce berries! The Brevicollis can grow on trees, forest floors, and rocks with 5-7 white or orange vertical flowers.

I know this beauty already got your attention, right? Well, you are not in the wrong place! We will give you more about this plant. Read more below.

Aechmea Brevicollis Plant Care Basics

The Brevicollis is an easy-to-maintain houseplant. Yes, that’s for sure. But before we explain its care basics, let me just introduce to you this Aechmea brevicollis at one glance:

Already got a hint of knowledge about this beauty? Never stop here, my friend. There’s more about below! As promised, we will now give you tips on the primary care guide to efficiently take care of your Aechmea brevicollis. Enjoy!

Don’t be afraid to use orchid bark and coco air for the mix

The Aechmeas require a mix that drains effectively. In an orchid bark or cymbidium mix, they’ll thrive the best. It’s an excellent option to copy their natural habitat, right? So regular potting soil is a big no-no. You can blend 3/4 orchid bark and 1/4 coco air.

If you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry! There is always another option. You can also use a porous soil mix that allows root contact with air and drains water fast.

Watering Needs

Did I forget to mention that Aechmeas are also epiphytes? It means that they grow on other plants or even rocks in their natural habitat. Their foliage provides them with the moisture and nutrition they require.

So it’s best to keep the vase, cup, urn, or tank – the center from which the flower emerges – 1/4 to 1/2 full with water. Water should be kept in the middle cup. To avoid odor and bacteria, change the water periodically with clean water.

Consider using distilled or rainwater if your water is hard and mineral-laden. Before watering the plant again, always make sure that the soil is parched.

Light

For optimal results, plant Aechmea in a partially shaded area. Although the plant thrives in partial shade, it requires robust and filtered light to grow well. Plants should be placed within 5 feet of a window with Eastern or Western exposure.

That will suffice your plant. Because the morning sun is not as powerful as the afternoon sun, it is often referred to as part sun or shade. So you can put your plant outdoors, but remember to bring it inside once the sun gets very harsh for your plant.

Temperature 

The Aechmea is a resilient plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 21.1 degrees Celsius). In horticulture, most Bromeliads prefer temperatures of 70-90°F during the day and 50-70°F at night.

They can, however, withstand much higher temperatures if the humidity is increased. When temperatures and humidity levels are high, it’s also crucial to remember that excellent air circulation around your Bromeliads is essential.

Humidity 

Humidity is required for Aechmea plants to survive, except if you live in a very humid climate. So mist the Aechmea plant frequently using a spray bottle filled with water. At a relative humidity of 40 to 60 percent, most Aechmea thrives as an indoor plant.

Unfortunately, most homes’ average humidity is well below 40%, especially when heating systems are in use during the winter months. But don’t worry, you can install a low-cost humidifier that can help raise humidity levels in the home.

Fertilizer is a steady best friend

The Aechmeas, like other Bromeliads, obtain their nourishment from plant matter that falls on them. As a result, it’s essential to spray fertilizer on the foliage and the growing medium’s surface. When the plant is actively growing in the spring and summer, fertilize it lightly every six weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer mixed to one-quarter strength.

During the winter, however, don’t feed the plant.

Propagation

We all want to reproduce our houseplants. And with this kind of plant? I’m sure you also want to replicate a copy of it. So we’ve provided you with how to propagate your Aechmea quickly, and I’m sure it will survive.

Bromeliads have the potential to generate pups, or offsets, which is one of the more entertaining characteristics of the plant. These are the offspring of a plant that reproduces predominantly through vegetative reproduction. Bromeliad propagation via division is a faster and more manageable approach.

The longer the pups stay on the mom, the sooner they mature and blossom. Before division, the pups should be a third to half the size of the parent. 

Here’s how you will properly do it:

• Remove the pups using a sterilized, sharp knife. To see where to make cuts, it’s generally best to remove the mother from the container.
• Cut the pup from the parent, keeping a tiny portion of the parent and the offset.
• Plant Bromeliad babies in a suitable moist peat mixture. The pot must be twice the size of the puppy’s foundation.
• You can tie the pup to a corkboard or even a limb if it doesn’t have roots. Before watering the pup in its tiny cup, let the medium dry out a little. In a few weeks, you will then be able to see if the babies thrive. Just provide it with care, and you will have your new Aechmea brevicollis.

Growth Zone

The Aechmea brevicollis plant is hardy in USDA zone 11.

When is the best time to pot our Aechmea brevicolli?

Since Aechmea seldomly has long roots, a little container, around 4 inches (10 cm), is more than adequate. Drainage holes should be present in the pot to allow excess water to drain as rapidly as possible. The soil will not wash out if a mesh screen, broken clay pot pieces, or a paper coffee filter is placed over the hole.

Wait till your Aechmea has finished blooming before you wish to repot the plant. But aechmeas don’t have an extensive root system, so they won’t need to be repotted too often.

Here’s a little tip for this beauty: A mature Aechmea is a top-heavy plant that will topple over in a regular plastic container. So choose the best pot for your Aechmea.

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Aechmea Brevicolli Varieties and Similar Plants

There are approximately 250 species of Aechmea plants. There are many of them, right? But because we know that you want to add a companion for your Aechmea that is just its neighbor or close relatives, here they are:

• Guzmania

Guzmania plants are noted for their vibrant colors, stunning blooms, and exotic personalities. These are some of Europe’s commercialized Bromeliad flower crop plant species. And they’re gaining appeal around the world!

• Catopsis

In the sun, the Catopsis bromeliad plant develops on tree twigs. This Bromeliad plant is supposed to be a carnivorous plant. The Catopsis bromeliad’s tank attracts more insects than other Bromeliad plants of equal size.

• Nidularium

Little nest Bromeliads are another name for Nidularium. They have a tendency to bloom with lovely flowers. However, the flower rosette is usually relatively tiny. It is an evergreen perennial plant that thrives in the tropics, subtropics, and Mediterranean climates.

Aechmea Brevicolli Diseases & Pests

Here’s a little tip first that can be very useful: Before exposing a new Bromeliad or any other acquired plant to other indoor plants, quarantine it for at least three weeks. Trust me, it will be very effective in reducing problems in the future. 

Aphids, Mealybugs, Thrips, and Mites are some of the pests that might harm your Aechmea. Regular inspection is the best way to reveal any issues before they become uncontrollable. Hand removal and quarantining affected plants should usually be enough to avoid significant damage.

Chemical pesticides can be used as a last resort. On the other hand, Bromeliads can be pretty sensitive, so always test a little part first and only apply as instructed.

Root rot, leaf spot disease, botrytis, rust, and powdery mildew, on the other hand, are among diseases that can cause a huge problem to your Aechmea. So provide the optimal conditions for the plant to not be easily affected by these diseases.