Aechmea smithiorum is a striking bromeliad known for its stiff, spiny, silver-banded leaves and a vibrant, tubular red inflorescence that emerges from a dense rosette. Na
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep the central cup filled with water and water the soil when the top layer feels dry.
Well-draining, orchid mix
50% intensity
Average Room Temperature
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C.
Light
25% intensity
Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Aechmea smithiorum thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, typically every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the central cup to dry out slightly between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Prune Aechmea smithiorum to remove spent flower spikes and dead or damaged leaves. Cut back to the base of the plant.
Mature plants will produce pups (offsets) after flowering; these can be left to grow or removed for propagation. Minimal pruning is generally required.
Aechmea smithiorum is best propagated by offsets (pups) that form around the base of the mother plant after it flowers.
Once the pups are about one-third the size of the parent plant, carefully remove them with a sterile knife, ensuring they have some roots attached. Pot them in a well-draining medium.
Repot Aechmea smithiorum only when necessary, typically every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining bromeliad mix or a combination of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss.
Repotting is best done in spring or early summer.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Aechmea Smithiorum (Aechmea smithiorum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus | Aechmea |
| Species | Aechmea smithiorum |
Similar in genus Aechmea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
