Aechmea nudicaulis var. cuspidata

Green leaves have a row of black spines along the margins. Bright red-bracted flower spikes produce lemon yellow flowers in summer. Flower head dies, more follow.
height 6–18in
width 6–18in
tolerates Heat, Pots
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 While looking tropical, bromeliads are surprisingly drought tolerant and we think of watering them as other soft leaved succulents such as echeveria. They evolved their unique shape to funnel rainwater into their centers, and then store it there. If you’re in a hot climate simulate this by watering from above. When indoors, you can water in the center of the crown and allow the water to overflow down into the lower ‘tanks’ and then the roots without getting the area around your plant wet. However, if you are in a cool climate it is best to just water the soil, as lingering water in the crown can lead to rot.
hardy
to		 30F
exposure Part Shade – Part Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Orchid Bark
fertilizing Acid 1/2 Strength
origin Brazil
sunset
zones		 16, 17, 21–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Bromeliads are occasionally terrestrial (grow in the ground) but most are epiphytic, growing on the trunks and branches of trees. Even others are lythophytic, growing in the cracks of rock faces. Either way they don’t need much root space and thrive in pots. This also makes them ideal for mounting on a plank, tree, fence, totem or rock.
Because they are usually growing in tight spots their nutrients come from decaying litter, making them appreciate a light acidic fertilizer, but all purpose seems to work just fine.
When planting in the ground take extra care to ensure good drainage. Some ways to do this are by mounding the plants, adding pumice or lava rock to the soil, or even planting nursery cans directly into a basin of pumice to keep their roots constrained.
Avoid planting under trees or other plants that shed a lot, as the litter will collect in the rosettes. If this happens you can gently flush the tanks out with a garden hose.
This bromeliad builds energy its entire life to send off one spectacular flower, but afterward will die. Don’t worry though, there are usually a couple pups at the base ready to replace it. Once the parent plant begins to fade, remove it to make room for the next generation.