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Description
Aechmea Magdalenae is a beautiful bromeliad species native to Colombia, Venezuela and northern Brazil. The plant is a member of the Bromeliaceae family, and it is epiphytic, meaning it grows on other plants, but it can also grow in soil. The common name for Aechmea Magdalenae is Magdalena bromeliad, and it is named after the Magdalena River in Colombia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus: | Aechmea |
Appearance
Aechmea Magdalenae is a medium-sized bromeliad that can grow up to 60 cm in height and 60 cm in width. The plant has a rosette of leaves that are long and narrow, and they can be green or reddish-brown in color. The leaves have sharp spines on the edges, and they form a funnel-shaped vase or urn at the center of the plant. The flower spike of Aechmea Magdalenae can grow up to 1 meter in height, and it has pink to red bracts with blue flowers that bloom in the summer.
Care Guide
Aechmea Magdalenae is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it is ideal for beginners. The following are some care tips:
- Water: Aechmea Magdalenae likes to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week, and make sure the water drains from the vase.
- Fertilization: Feed Aechmea Magdalenae once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and bark.
- Sunlight: Aechmea Magdalenae prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: Aechmea Magdalenae is hardy in USDA zones 10-11, but it can be grown as a houseplant in colder zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aechmea Magdalenae is susceptible to some pests and diseases, such as:
- Mealybugs: These insects are small, white, and fuzzy. They suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and die. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them.
- Scale insects: These insects are small, round, and flat. They also suck the sap from the plant. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The roots become mushy and dark, and the plant may wilt and die. Avoid overwatering, and make sure the soil drains well.
Habitat
Aechmea Magdalenae grows in the rainforests of Colombia, Venezuela, and northern Brazil. It is an epiphytic plant, meaning it grows on other plants, such as trees, but it can also grow in soil. The plant prefers humid and warm environments, and it can tolerate some shade and indirect sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Aechmea Magdalenae bloom every year?
A: Yes, Aechmea Magdalenae usually blooms every year during the summer.
Q: Can I grow Aechmea Magdalenae indoors?
A: Yes, Aechmea Magdalenae can be grown as a houseplant, but it needs bright, indirect sunlight and a humid environment.
Q: How often should I water Aechmea Magdalenae?
A: Water Aechmea Magdalenae once a week, and make sure the water drains from the vase.
Q: How do I propagate Aechmea Magdalenae?
A: Aechmea Magdalenae can be propagated by removing the offsets that grow at the base of the plant and planting them in a separate pot.
Related Plants
- Aechmea fasciata
- Aechmea chantinii
- Aechmea blanchetiana
- Aechmea ‘Blue Rain’
References
- “Aechmea Magdalenae.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 23 July 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c890>.
- “Aechmea Magdalenae.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 23 July 2021. <https://plantcaretoday.com/aechmea-magdalenae.html>.
- “Aechmea Magdalenae.” World of Flowering Plants. Accessed 23 July 2021. <https://worldoffloweringplants.com/aechmea-magdalenae-magdalena-bromeliad/>.
