Aechmea ‘Fasciata’ is an epiphytic Bromeliad from Brazil. The family of Aechmeas are among the most beautiful of all Bromeliads for indoor decoration. Large, colorful blooms rise high above the vase-shaped rosette of leaves. Most Bromeliads flower naturally when they reach maturity; they can also be made to flower by supplying the substances which begin bud formation: for example, enclose the entire plant ( with its cup empty of water to prevent excessive humidity buildup) in a plastic bag together with a ripe apple. The apple gives off ethylene gas which stimulates flowering in Bromeliads. Leave plant and apple in the plastic bag for 7-10 days; I will usually flower in 1-2 months.
