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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Aechmea orlandiana

finger of God

An evergreen perennial with strap-shaped leaves, heavily marbled with deep purple, and small yellowish flowers with showy red bracts, in conical clusters

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter Purple Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Aechmea are evergreen perennials forming funnel-shaped rosettes of strap-shaped leaves, with a terminal spike of tubular flowers often with colourful triangular bracts, followed by fleshy fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Brazil

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass or indoors in a epiphytic bromeliad compost in bright filtered light and low humidity. In the growing season water freely and apply a low nitrogen fertiliser monthly. Keep the central ""cup"" filled with soft water. Can be grown outdoors epiphytically in a warm, moist site or in moist, gritty, humus-rich soil

Propagation

Propagate by rooting offsets in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.