Aechmea Bromeliad Species, Matchstick Plant, Urn Plant
Aechmeagamosepala

Family: Bromeliaceae (bro-mee-lee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Aechmea (EEK-mee-uh)
Species: gamosepala (gam-oh-SEP-uh-luh)

Category
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Light Shade

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Deciduous
Herbaceous
Provides Winter Interest

Foliage Color

Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
30-40 ft. (9-12 m)
over 40 ft. (12 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
Pink
Light Blue

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Winter

Other details

Soil pH requirements
4.5 or below (very acidic)
4.6 to 5.0 (highly acidic)
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline)
over 9.1 (very alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
This plant is monocarpic

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds