Aechmea gigantea GUATEMALA The undersides are heavily banded

The undersides are heavily banded with red

A silver plant that we acquired from Selby Gardens as Hechtia argentia

possibly to attract pollinators

Formerly known as Orthophytum albopictum DJC

Aechmea gigantea GUATEMALA The undersides are heavily bandedAn unusual Venezuelan plant thats a rarity in cultivation. Reddish leaves, heavily spined, grow in an upright funnel form rosette to about three feet tall. The inflorescence is superficially similar to that of Ae. fasciata, a cluster of tight pink branches and bracts and is set rather low in the rosette. In spite of its size, the upright habit keeps it compact, suitable for a greenhouse and excellent for landscape.