Countless plants withered.
But I don't look back. If I do, I won't be able to keep my sanity...

My name is Suzuki and I've been gardening as a hobby for 14 years.
This is a section that introduces only plants that we have actually grown.

This time we will introduce the Aechmea Orlandiana Ensign , which makes a statement with its red spots.

What kind of plant is Aechmea aurandiana ensign?

Orlandiana is believed to be native to Brazil.
Ensign is characterized by the red spots and stripes that appear on the leaves.
The pattern will vary greatly depending on how it is raised and the individual plant.
The name comes from the Latin word "ensignis," which means "sign."

I want to tighten it up and grow it...

The parent plant is on the left side of the photo and the offspring is on the right.
The parents were raised in a large, sunny greenhouse, and perhaps due to the good environment, they have an ideal shape.
Like agave, the trend is to grow tank bromeliads in a compact, taut shape.
This is difficult, and requires exquisite control of light, wind, and water to achieve the natural, pristine appearance shown on the right.

Since sunlight can sometimes cause the leaves to burn, I am currently trying to use an LED grow light.

It will grow bigger

Most of the strains sold are smaller than a 500ml plastic bottle.
If you buy it with that feeling, you'll be surprised later.
Currently, the plants in our home have grown to a size larger than a 2L plastic bottle.
I was unable to find out the maximum size, but it is estimated to be around 40cm to 50cm.
When you place two of them side by side, you can enjoy a spectacular standing pose.

Plant Gachimeter

Finally, I will give a score to the Aechmea Orlandiana Ensign from my very personal perspective.

-Ease of growing: 18 points. Keep indoors in winter.

- Ease of tailoring: 20 points If you don't care about a tight fit, you can leave it as is.

・Growth rate: 18 points. It will grow rapidly.

・Osaka suitability: 18 points I want to leave it out in the rain from the rainy season to early autumn

・Likeability: 20 points Ekmea is fun to grow!

Total score: 94 points

That's all, Editor-in-Chief.

Author: Suzuki