Aechmea fulgens var discolor is a popular bromeliad from Brazil.
The leaves are strap-like, arching and leathery with sharp spines along the leaf margin. The upper surface is paler green and may be tinged with purple and the underside reddish purple. The leaves grow in a rosette formation.
The flower stem grows from the centre and terminates in a showy multi-branched panicle of violet flowers and shiny red calyces.
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).