“One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.”

–W.E. Johns

Of the wide variety of bromeliads that are available to the homeowner, one of my favorites is Aechmea gamosepala (pronounced EEK-mee-uh gam-oh-SEP-uh-luh). Also known as matchstick bromeliad because its inflorescences give the appearance of colorful matchsticks, this plant has become for me a much welcome addition to the landscape. At a time of the year when some other bromeliad species are dormant, this winter-blooming Aechmea is just getting started. What attracts me most about these plants are their upward spikes with pink bracts and lovely bluish purple tips offset by smooth green foliage. As a bonus, when the blooms are spent the spikes retain a lovely pink hue. Additionally, unlike many other bromeliad types, there are no sharp spines. Another plus!

As with other bromeliads, matchsticks are truly the gifts that keep on giving, with the mother plant creating future generations with offshoots as she slowly declines. Matchsticks can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide and can be easily propagated, if you wish to do so by first carefully separating “pups” from the mother plant when they are approximately one third to half the size of the mother, using a sterilized knife or pruning shears to do so. For more information on bromeliad propagation and the care of pups after planting, visit https://www.bromeliads.info/beginners-guide-bromeliad-pups/.

Considering the importance of right plant/right place, the bromeliad enjoys high humidity, grows best in shade and will also do quite well with a bit of early morning sun. Although the plant tolerates some chill for a short period of time, it is a good idea to provide protection if there is a chance of frost. If not planted too deep, Aechmea gamosepala will grow in well-draining soil in the landscape or as a container plant. Because it has a shallow root system, you can even select a pot that is wider than it is tall. Being an epiphyte, the plant will also readily grow in a shrub crevice, fork of a tree, on a board, driftwood and the list goes on. One of my plants is happily perching in the fork of a live oak I have on my property. Having bloomed this past winter, the mother has produced a number of pups.

Part of proper care includes ensuring the plant’s “cup” retains water. As with any standing water though, mosquitos can be an issue and so periodic flushing of the cup is ideal for control purposes. You can also consider treating the water in your bromeliad with B.T. (Bacillus thorengiensis), a biological control for larvae stages of mosquitos, but safe for humans and other animals. In addition to mosquitos, pests such as aphids, mealybugs and scale can also be a problem. Oftentimes these can be managed with a spray of water, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil or neem oil depending on the pest. If there are issues that cannot be readily identified, you can contact the Lee County UF/IFAS Extension Office in Fort Myers for assistance and mitigation advice.

Happy gardening!

Janetta Fox is a Master Gardener volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral

Sources:

— Harrison, M. The matchstick bromeliad. Retrieved from https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/4469

— Dearringer, M. Beginner’s guide to bromeliad pups. Retrieved from https://www.bromeliads.info/ beginners-guide-bromeliad-pups/