Silver leaf plant or urn plant

Silver Face or Urn Plant

Scientific name: Aechmea fasciata 'Primera'

With rose and blue colored buds

Information about the Silver Face or Urn Plant

Scientific name: Aechmea fasciata 'Primera'

The particular plant I have is derived from the Aechmea fasciata, which has spike leaves. It can become damaged easily in shipping. My plant does not have prickly leaves and took years of breeding before botanists obtained this smooth leaved plant. Bromeliads of the Aechmea type mainly come from Brazil. Bromeliad type is any plant in the pineapple family and was named after the Swedish botanist Olaus Bromelius (1639-1705)

My plant originally came in a small pot and it was tipping over. I was worried that I may lose it in transplanting. I got a very large pot to plant it in and as I was transplanting, I realized because of the small root system I could have planted it in a shorter pot---only bigger around. There are bromeliad type plants in Florida that grow out the sides of tree trucks.

My plant is 16 inches tall, but 29 inches across, leaf tip to leaf tip. When I researched this plant I found that it is easy to take care of, which is always a plus. The blossom is a beautiful pink, but has no fragrance.

How to take care of the Silver Face Plant--Aechmea fasciata 'Primera'

This plant should always have water between the leaves, which keeps the leaves nice and green. It need lots of light, but not direct sunlight. The soil always needs to be moist. It does not need fertilizer to ensure good growth. I'm finding that watering the leaves and spraying with lukewarm water is very important and promotes better health, although the spraying is not necessary.

Links about the Silver Face Plant---Aechmea fasciata 'Primera'

I have also included Bromeliad links

I found an interesting link where you can look this flower up. I did find the Aechmea fasciata and the Primera, which is the one that has smooth leaves. Just look under plant names and of course if you have a plant you would like to look up---they have a very large data base. Also, take a look at the other links about Bromeliads Aechmea (the pineapple family.)

Plant Care

Aechmea (From Botany.com) (stresses plant care)

Plants in Design (Bromeliad and Orchid Nursery)

Save Florida's Native Bromeliads This is a very interesting link and has wonderful photographs.

Bromeliad Society International

Bromeliflorae (The Bromeliads)

Growing Bromeliads (Advice from an expert)