Aechmea pineliana var.pineliana is an epiphytic evergreen perennial native to South Eastern Brazil.
This attractive plant has broad mid green leaves with grey banding on the underside and a long red flower spike and bracts with a cylindrical inflorescence with brown bristles and yellow flowers.
The strap-like leaves are leathery and have sharp browny red spines along the leaf margin. They are very sharp so take care when handling them, gloves are recommended. They can make a good border plant but because of the sharp leaves are not the best choice for a garden with young children.
The leaves grow in a rosette formation creating a well in the centre that collects and stores water for the plant. When watering these always ensure that the well is filled with water as most of the water is absorbed through modified cells at the base of the leaves.
Once the plant has flowered it will produce pups around the base of the plant. The pups will take nutrients from the dying parent plant and can be removed and replanted when they reach about a third of the parent.
In tropical and subtropical regions Aechmea pineliana will grow outside on trees or in garden beds. they prefer filtered sun, humid conditions and a sheltered aspect but will grow in full sun.
These epiphytes do not take nutrients from the host tree but obtain most of their water and nutrients from the urn created by the rosette of leaves. If you wish to grow them on a tree, place sphagnum moss around the roots before either wedging the plant in the fork of a tree branch or securing it to trunk using a semi-circular clip around the base of the young plant (Pup).