Welcome to an informative article on Aechmea spp., more commonly known as the silver vase plant.
These low-maintenance and attractive terrarium plants are the answer to anyone looking to spruce up their home with easy–to–care–for plants.
With its stunning colored foliage, low water requirements, and great adaptability, this magnificent terrarium plant is sure to make a bold statement.
In this article, we will discuss the landscape and care requirements necessary to keep your terrarium thriving with the beautiful silver vase plant.
So if you’re on the hunt for an easy–care solution, then read on to learn the tips and tricks for Aechmea’s success!
| Quick Stats: | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aechmea spp. |
| Common Name | Silver Vase Plant, Aechmea Bromeliad, Urn Plant |
| Family Name | Bromeliaceae |
| Habitat | Tropical, subtropical, and arid regions |
| Temperature | 65°F to 80°F |
| Height | 8 to 30 inches |
| pH | 5.0 to 7.0 |
| Lighting | Low to moderate |
What is a Silver Vase Plant?
. is a widely popular broAchmea sppmeliad species that can range in height from 8-30 inches depending on the environment it’s placed in.
Silver vase plant is classified as an epiphyte, which is a species of plant that grows on the surface of trees or other plants, rather than in the soil.
These plants have a beautiful waxy-silver appearance, with deep green foliage, making them a popular choice for many vivariums.
Silver Vase Plant Facts
There are over 200 species of Aechmea spp., each with unique color schemes and shapes.
Aechmea spp. offer a spectacular pop of color to many terrariums that can contrast well with darker background plants, such as ferns, mosses, and other tropical foliage.
The beautiful colors and shapes of the silver vase plant blooms also attract pollinators, as these bromeliads produce coordinated fragrances and nectars to attract insects and birds to pollinate them.
Description
Aechmea spp. is recognizable by its silver vase-like structure, referred to as the urn, held in the center of the plant.
The leaves of this bromeliad are long, and overlapping and can range from dark green to bright orange, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
On mature plants, a rosette of flowers called an inflorescence emerges from the center of the plant in colors ranging from deep red to light pink.
Habitat
Aechmea spp. can be found naturally growing in tropical, subtropical, and arid regions in Central and South America.
But, due to their popularity, they have found a place in many other climates.
Silver vase plants are incredibly hardy and are happy to be kept anywhere you can provide a range of temperatures and humidities.
pH Preference
Aechmea spp. tends to do best in a slightly acidic environment, but they can exist in a range of 5.0 -7.0 pH.
Vivarium Type
The silver vase plant is quite an easy-going species.
With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when it comes to choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in.
It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this bromeliad with its basic needs.
The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant.
Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
Vivarium Placement
Aechmea spp. should be placed in an area that offers plenty of air circulation around the foliage and backfill.
Silver vase plants require a range of temperatures and humidities, and the airflow can help prevent condensation from forming on the foliage.
Aechmea bromeliads do well when placed at the canopy layer of a vivarium, and can tolerate being near foreground plants, as long as the lighting levels are consistent for all the plants.
Substrate
Silver vase plants do not need to be placed in a substrate as they are epiphytes, which can be mounted or affixed with specialized adhesive to a wall, tree, or branch.
But, if you prefer to have this epiphyte planted in a substrate, Aechmea spp. prefers a dense terrarium soil mixture, and requires a substrate with good drainage.
Lighting
Silver vase plants prefer low to moderate light levels, with roughly 10-12 hours of light a day, scattered throughout this period.
Aechmea spp. is a good choice for terrariums with dim terrarium lighting, as it can thrive well in low-light conditions.
Buy Silver Vase Plant
When it comes to buying silver vase plants, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium.
Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Always make sure to buy from a reliable and honest establishment.
Click the image below to find out more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Silver Vase Plant Care and Propagation
Aechmea spp. can easily be propagated through division and offsets, which will appear on the edges of the plant.
The division process is simply cutting away the offset from the main plant, potting the offset with soil or moss, and placing it in a warm and humid area.
How to Grow
Aechmea spp. should be kept in warm, humid environments.
Keep the soil moist and mist the foliage frequently to keep the humidity levels up.
Silver vase plants thrive in bright indirect light, but will also do well in dimly lit areas.
The best place to keep Aechmea spp. is near a window, but far enough away that the direct sunlight can’t burn the foliage.
Watering
Aechmea spp. don’t require frequent watering, as they prefer the air to remain dry.
The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings and the foliage misted to keep the plant from drying out.
Plants Similar to Silver Vase Plant
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup. Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if for some reason you find the silver vase plant is hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this plant…
Here are other air plants you might find will do well with or in the place of Aechmea spp.:
Conclusion
Silver vase plants are a colorful and interesting addition to any vivarium.
Its waxy silver foliage and bright inflorescences make it an ideal choice for adding a splash of color and interest to terrariums of any size.
Aechmea spp. are low maintenance, making them a great choice for beginner plant keepers.
The best part is that they will do well in a range of temperatures and humidities, making them an excellent option for many types of enclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Aechmea flower typically lasts for up to 6 months.
Yes, Aechmea is an indoor plant and can be grown indoors or in terrariums.
Aechmea plants should be watered approximately once every two weeks.
After a bromeliad blooms and the bloom dies, cut off the old flower stalk at the base of the plant. If the plant looks healthy, it will produce new flowers in time. To encourage your bromeliad to bloom again, keep the soil moist and provide it with good light, ventilation, and humidity.
Yes, a Urn plant is a perennial, meaning it can last for more than two years and will bloom each season.