Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
AECHMEA orlandiana
Plant Common Name
Aechmea, Orland's Bromeliad
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
A carnival of color and texture in its foliage, Orland's bromeliad has apple-green leaves with dark red stripes and speckles and eventually forms a red flower spike with yellow blossoms. A tender tropical perennial bromeliad that is an epiphyte (grows upon other plants like trees), it is native to southern Brazil. It may also be propped in well-draining soil to look ground-dwelling but ideally protected from frost.
The wide strap-like leaves form a vase-shaped rosette that holds water in the base. The leaf is a light gree with speckles of burgundy on the top and striped of dark red on the undersides. Edges are lined with tiny dark spines. In late spring on mature plants, a fiery red flower stalk appears with a clustered head of red bracts (rigid modified leaves), from with the light yellow flowers emerge. The bract remains for weeks after the flowers fade, and from the base of the plant should be one to three young pup plants that will replace the dying mother. Established colonies of this plant often have snake-like stems clasping to the tree trunk or cliffside.
Grow Orland's bromeliad in nearly full sun to partial sun for best foliage coloring. Mount it upon a tree trunk or set in a hanging basket or prop in moist but fast-draining soil in frost free regions. Ensure the plant base is full of water in the heat of the growing season. This makes a lovely clustering accent for a tropical tree among sun-loving orchids like cattleyas and oncidiums or as a forground accent in a mixed tropical border. The cultivar 'Ensign' is arguably even prettier with leaves that have a outer leaf bands of ivory; 'Gold Tone' is similar but has bands of pale golden yellow.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-16" / 30.5cm - 40.6cm
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Width
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Native To
Brazil
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
No
