Urn plant guide
Aechmea fasciata, also called silver vase plant, aechmea
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Keep a little water in the center cup. Keep the soil just damp.
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. More helps.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky orchid bark mix
- Feeding
- Quarter-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, on the soil
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall and wide
- Propagation
- Pot up the pups that grow at the base
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes urn plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the bromeliad care guide.
What it is
Urn plant has stiff, arching, gray-green leaves banded with silver, forming a vase or urn shape. A spiky pink flower head rises from the center, with small blue-purple flowers tucked in. Select-A-Plant lists the foliage as gray-silver and green, at 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft).
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Center | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Urn plant | Spiky pink head | Silver bands and stiff leaves |
| Guzmania | Star-shaped spike | Soft, glossy green leaves |
| Flaming sword | Flat red spike | Dark bands on green leaves |
Care differences
It handles more light than guzmania. Bright indirect light with some morning sun keeps the silver strong.
The leaf edges have small spines. Wear gloves when you repot or separate pups.
After it blooms
The pink head lasts months. Then the rosette dies over several months and pups grow at the base.
Buying it
Urn plant is common at garden centers. Look for a bright pink head and firm, silver-banded leaves.