Aechmea ramosa
Branched spear point, Branched urn plant
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1m
- Position
- Part shade
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This has bright apple-green foliage, the long strappy leaves arch out from the reservoir at the centre of the plant. The leaves actually have fine spines on their edges so care is needed. The leaves are creamy yellow at their base. If grown in full light the foliage may take on rose tints but be careful not to allow them to scorch. The floral spike is coloured orange-pink and rises from the centre of the plant. The spike is actually composed of bracts and the not very noticeable true flowers peer out from them. General care: Give these a brightly shaded spot. Rainwater should be used in hard water areas. These should be watered regularly in summer and the cup at the centre of the plant should be kept filled during the summer months. Water more sparingly during winter. In hot weather the plant benefits from a daily spray. These enjoy a Cymbidium orchid compost in a free draining container. They require a minimum winter temperature of 10C.
- Flower colour
- Orange
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Gravelly soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 15C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves are prickly
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring · Indoors
Feed with low nitrogen feed
Occasionally while the plant is in growth, apply a specialist cactus feed that is low in nitrogen.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a low value.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water moderately in winter
Water moderately.
Give a small amount of water so that the plant doesn't become flaccid (leaves lose their firmness and may droop or look lifeless), or dessicated, but do not saturate the compost or leave it standing in water.
Planting & general
Indoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Indoors
Fill central cup with soft water
Keep 'cup' at the centre of plant filled with soft or rainwater.
Indoor temperature · Planting
15C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 15 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.
Compost · Planting
Orchid compost for repotting
Use orchid compost designed for plants that are terrestrial, i.e. they grow in earth.
You can create your own using a mixture that includes equal measures of a coarse peat and grit with ten percent perliite and charcoal. Opinions vary on 'recipes' and if your interest develops, you can research the views of specialist growers.