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Aechmea 'Elegant Ruby'

Aechmea 'Elegant Ruby'

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BromeliadConservatory, House plant, Perennial, EvergreenFamily: Bromeliaceae

Height: 50cmSpread: 30cm

Flower colour:

Red

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade

Aspect:

East facing, north facing, west facing

Bromeliad or urn plant, Aechmea, grows epiphytically in its natural habitat in the rainforests of Central and South America. In temperate climates it is grown as a houseplant. Aechmea ‘Elegant Ruby’ forms a rosette of broad, glossy dark green leaves. From the centre it bears a tall spike with elegant red bracts and clusters of tiny, red and yellow flowers.

Grow Aechmea ‘Elegant Ruby’ in a warm room, in a bright spot out of direct sun. It likes humidity, so place on a tray of damp pebbles or mist regularly. In its natural habitat the rosette of leaves form an 'urn' or well, which collects rainwater. As a houseplant, the plant is watered by filling the urn, too, to around one inch deep. Ideally, use rainwater, or failing that, distilled or filtered water. Empty and refill the urn every couple of weeks to prevent the water stagnating.

The plant is usually sold in flower. This will last for many weeks before it fades and the plant dies back. The plant will form 'pups' or baby plants at its base – when they are around a third of the size of the parent plant, they can be cut away and potted up, forming new plants.

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Aechmea ‘Elegant ruby’ and wildlife

Aechmea ‘Elegant ruby’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Aechmea ‘Elegant ruby’ poisonous?

Aechmea ‘Elegant ruby’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People