Aechmea mariae-reginae is a bromeliad endemic to Central America.
The mid-green leaves are strap-like, arching and leathery with sharp spines along the leaf margin. The leaves grow in a rosette formation.
The flower spike has creamy calyces and small pale blue flowers that turn pink as they age. It is the brightly coloured deep pink bracts at the base of the flower spike that give the spike its spectacular colour
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).