Aechmea pepita ‘Elegant Flame’

Aechmea pepita ‘Elegant Flame’ is a compact bromeliad cultivar notable for its central rosette of sword-like dark green leaves edged with fine black spines and a striking central inflorescence. The flower bract is fiery red with small emerging tubular flowers that begin yellow and fade to white as they mature. It typically reaches around 50 cm in total height, with a spread of approximately 30 cm.

Native to:
Tropical to subtropical regions of Central and South America, typically as an epiphyte in forest canopies. Leaves emerge in a silvergreen or greygreen rosette, edged with fine black spines, lanceolate in shape, with a central upright bract of flaming red and yellow that transitions to yellowwhite flowers.

Water:
Use room-temperature rainwater, distilled or filtered water. Keep the central cup (the rosette centre) filled with water to around 23 cm depth, refreshing it regularly and emptying before refilling to avoid stagnation. Water the soil sparingly in warmer months.

Light:
Provide bright filtered light or light indirect sunlight, ideally near an east or west-facing window. Avoid exposure to direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves; it tolerates lower light, but flowering and pup production may be reduced.

Humidity:
This plant prefers high humidity of around 6080 %. Regular misting or placing the pot on a pebble tray with water helps maintain humidity.

Temperature:
Thrives in indoor UK temperatures between approximately 1526 C, with around 20 C optimal. Avoid dropping below about 10 C; protect against cold drafts and fluctuations