Here is a list of the best Aechmeas to grow for beginners:
BERT
Aechmea ‘Bert’
Hardy offspring of A orlandiana and A fosteriana having good intermediate qualities of both parents. Grows best in bright light.
Aechmea orlandiana
Outstanding rosette with zebra-like bands and toothed margins on shiny green leaves. The short inflorescence bears yellow flowers and scarlet bracts which persist for months. The leaves blotch with maroon spots in intermittent full sun.
ENSIGN
Aechmea orlandiana ‘Ensign’
Striking variegated form of A. orlandiana with rich creamy-white marginal bands. Maroon spotting occurs when grown in very bright light.
Aechmea distichantha
Robust formal rosette of leaves attend a brilliantly rich red inflorescence bearing numerous purple flowers. Produces numerous offshoots and grows best in intermittent bright light.
PURPLISH CORAL-BERRY
Aechmea miniata ‘Discolor’
Gorgeous plant in and out of bloom. Soft green leaves above contrast with beautiful maroon below. The brilliant red flower head has bright blue flowers.
iAechmea gamosepala
Rich and glossy, this plant has an attractive bottle brush shaped inflorescence with reddish bracts and violet flowers. Attractive as a single plant or as a large cluster. Produces offshoots freely and blooms reliably in autumn.
PATRIOTIC PLANT Aechmea mertensii
Elegant inflorescence with red bracts bears china-white berries which turn true blue-in patriotic form. A highly valuable plant in size and shape. It tolerates moderate to bright light, but has a more compact shape in bright light. Easily grown from seeds.
Aechmea pineliana minuta -
Compact dense rosette of colorful pink-copper foliage less than 1 ft. Tall. This highly desirable plant has bright red bracts which adorn the inflorescence that is topped by a little red “pine cone.” The flower head stays colorful for months. Excellent table specimen because of its small size.
ROYAL WINE
Aechmea ‘Royal Wine’
Attractive formal rosette of polished green and maroon leaves typify this splendid plant. A vigorous plant and outstanding when grown in bright light.
MAGINALI A
Aechmea ‘Maginali’
Magnificent broad rosette displays green above and maroon below. Bright red berries develop on the inflorescence and it lasts several months.
Aechmea maculata>
Handsome large plant banded with purple on green foliage. Inflorescence is striking because of its pink bracts.
LACQUERED WINE-CUP
Aechmea ‘Foster’s Favorite’
Deep wine-red lacquered leaves ascend as a graceful rosette. A reliable bloomer, it produces a pendant spike with coral petals tipped with blue.