Aechmea Nudicaulis

• ​Common name: Aechmea Nudicaulis
• Scientific name: Aechmea nudicalis.
  
• Family name: Bromeliaceae
  
• Origin: Central and South America
• Height: 1 to 2 ft
  
• Width: 1 to 2 ft
  
• Growth: Slow
  
• Zone: USDA Zones 11 and above
  
• Light needs: Indirect or dappled light
  
• Salt tolerance: Low
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: As an epiphytic plant, it does not need soil, as it is best suited for growing on tree bark and branches or even rocks. If grown in a container, use a well-drained medium such as an orchid potting mix.
  
• Moisture: Water the substrate only when it is completely dry. This species mostly absorbs water through the cup formed in the center of the rosette. Tolerant of high humidity.
  
• Drought tolerance: Moderate.
  
• Pests/Diseases: Root rot may occur when overwatered.
  
• Growing conditions: As with other Aechmea bromeliads, this plant this adapted to grow on tree branches, which provides it with adequate shade and good drainage. However, it can also be cultivated indoors in a container with proper care. Make sure the substrate is very well drained – a bark-based orchid potting mix suits this plant well. Since it doesn’t absorb much water through its roots, the substrate should only be watered when it is completely dry, and should never remain wet or waterlogged, as this plant is susceptible to root rot. Aechmea nudicaulis absorbs water and nutrients primarily through the “tank” formed in its center. This tank should be flushed out and refilled to ¼ full regularly. This ensures that bacteria and pests are removed.
  
• Characteristics: This bromeliad is a little narrower and more tubular than other Aechmea species. As with other bromeliads, it does not have stems, and its leaves are arranged in a rosette from the base of the plant. This forms a central “tank” which collects water and debris for the plant to absorb. Its leaves are oblong, thick, and glossy, with toothed margins and an apiculate or mucronate apex. This species typically has bright red or pink pigmentation along the tips of its leaves, but this is not present in all individuals. The flowers grow on a bright red rachis that emerges from the direct center of the plant. The individual flowers are greenish-yellow and radiate out from the rachis. Bright red bracts can be found under the flower cluster.
  
• Propagation: By offsets.
  
• Wildlife: Frogs can be found living in the central tank, as the water collected there creates ideal conditions for amphibians.
  
• Facts: The specific epithet “nudicaulis” comes from Latin and means “naked stem.” It is unknown what exactly this is referring to, as the flower stems of this plant do not typically differ significantly from those of other Aechmea species.
  
• Designer considerations: Not recommended as a ground cover or border plant due to its sharp leaves. It looks very pleasing in trees, where it can be enjoyed from a safe distance. 
  

Aechmea Nudicaulis

Location

Bromeliad Island Garden

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