Aechmea

Aechmea gamosepala | Rating: 0 votes | Print / Pdf

The matchstick plant seems a curious name, but one look at aechmea gamosepala and it is not hard to understand why. Its foliage comprises broad, strap-shaped light green leaves that grow in a dense rosette, creating a cup or urn in their heart. What makes the matchstick plant special is its floral display, with long, thick stems producing lance-shaped panicles of tiny blue blossoms. These blossoms emerge from slender purple or pink bracts, and in effect, they appear like blue-headed matchsticks. The matchstick plant thrives in warm, humid climates but is a popular indoor plant elsewhere. Grow in pots in organic-rich, moist but well-drained soil in bright filtered light.

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • no
Height [m]
  • 0.5
Spread [m]
  • 0.6
Dominant flower colour
  • Mixed colours
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Flowering seasons
  • Early summer
  • Mid summer
  • Late summer
Foliage in spring
  • Green
Foliage in summer
  • Green
Foliage in Autumn
  • Green
Foliage in winter
  • Green
Propagation methods
  • seed
  • offsets
Growth habit
  • Rosette
Environment
Hardiness zone
  • Z11
Heat zone
  • H12-1
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • 4
Heat days
  • 0 - 210
Moisture
  • well-drained but frequently watered
Usage
Standard category
  • Exotic, house plants & other
  • House plants
Grown for
  • Attractive Flowers
Creative category
  • Kid Approved
  • For Beginners
  • Colours
Garden type
  • Indoor or winter garden
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • 2 to 5 years
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