One of the most cold hardy and easy to grow bromeliads! The Matchstick Plant produces dense spikes of purple tipped, pink "matchsticks" beginning in mid-winter on sturdy upright to arching spikes that emerge from the center of the medium green glossy rosettes of nearly spineless foliage. This easily enjoyed bromeliad readily produces pups or offsets and is typically grown in soil but can also be grown as a semi-epiphyte on a board as well.

As with many of the Aechmea species, the Matchstick Bromeliad is one of the most reliably cold hardy bromeliads and is considered to be reliably hardy down to 20oF for short periods. Freezing temperatures for any length of time may damage foliage and flower buds and so this is most likely a plant best enjoyed in the warmer portions of zone 9, 10, and 11.

As with most Bromeliads keep water in the basin formed by the rosette of foliage and you can allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. Use a well-drained soil when growing it as a container plant. It will always enjoy high humidity as well as shade during much of the day.