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Aechmea recurvata var. benrathii



Archive entry 24.06.18

I have no idea how this differs from the typical form so I bought one to see what happens. Sometimes it is the only way. Seems to be just as tolerant of the cold.
It has grown well and started to divide. Growing naturally among rocks in Brazil, it is said to differ from the typical species in its dwarf habit and in the deep purple bases to the leaves that surround the inflorescence.
This one was grown from seed and although it is clearly a form of A. recurvata I don't think it it benrathii.

Andys Airplants says:

"Aechmea recurvata var. benrathii is a beautiful naturally occurring variety from Santa Caterina in Southern Brazil. It has black leaf bases and markings and colors up the most beautiful pinks and purples and has pink flowers that fade to purple."
23rd June 2011



1st March 2015 7th June 2018 30th May 2024



I have just obtained the plant below but I think this is the real thing. It has shown some purple colour in the rosette as it comes into flower and had broader green leaves on compact rosettes.

Tom Piergrossi says:

"One of the best Bromeliads for the garden, grows terrestrially and is tolerant of full sun. Stiff serrated leaves grow in tight rosettes. The foliage turns pink and red. The color lasts for months, darkening with age. This selective is very small, compared to the rest of the species. Also great in a container or mounted."

6th May 2026



References:
  • Graf, Alfred Byrd - 'Exotica' series 3 edition 10 , Roehrs Company, publishers, 1980
  • Rauh, Werner - 'Bromeliads for Home, Garden and Greenhouse' , Blandford Press, (1970) 1979
  • Bromeliad Society International, https://www.bsi.org/new/ , accessed 26.10.2026.
  • Australian Bromeliad Society, http://www.bromeliad.org.au/ , accessed 26.10.2026.
  • Encyclopedia of Bromeliads, https://bromeliad.nl/encyclopedia/index.php?find=Aechmea , accessed 26.10.2026.
  • Andy's Airplants, https://andysairplants.co.uk/products/aechmea-recurvata-var-benrathii?srsltid=AYCX9vJ-qtUqQy_9bdZvH5wdQn7whHLziXqClRHplTYL9bGFNs9_ow0l , accessed 26.10.2026.
  • Tom Piergrossi - Vintage Green, https://tom-piergrossi.squarespace.com/bromeliads/aechmea-recurvata-var-benrathii , accessed 26.10.2026.