Aechmea mexicana is a bromeliad native to Central America.
The strap-like green leaves are mottled in appearance, the leaves develop a pink tinge when grown in a sunnier location. The leaves arching and leathery with sharp spines along the leaf margin. The leaves grow in a rosette formation.
The flower stem grows from the centre and terminates a panicle of small pink flowers followed later by purple and white berries.
In tropical and subtropical regions Aechmea 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. They also can be enjoyed as an indoor plant.
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).