Aechmea fasciata, commonly known as the Silver Vase or Urn Plant, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the rainforests of Brazil. It typically reaches 12-35 inches in height and has broad, elliptic-oval, silvery-green leaves that form a distinctive urn-shaped rosette. The plant is renowned for its striking inflorescence consisting of pink bracts and small blue flowers, which appear primarily in winter to spring, adding a splash of color when few other plants are in bloom. The flowers are quite showy and can last for several weeks.

In cultivation, Aechmea fasciata is valued for its ease of maintenance and exotic appearance, making it a popular choice for indoor container gardening. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires a well-drained, moisture-retentive potting mix, ideally one formulated for bromeliads. While it prefers high humidity, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. It is often used as a decorative houseplant and can be grown in offices and homes for its air-purifying qualities. Gardeners should be aware of its susceptibility to scale insects and take precautions against mosquito breeding in the water that collects in the plant’s central cup. Additionally, the sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, so handling with care is advised.CC BY-SA 4.0