Aechmea racinae, affectionately known as “Christmas Jewels,” is a petite and highly ornamental bromeliad native to the rainforests of Brazil. Unlike many of its larger, spiky relatives, this species features soft, glossy, strap-like leaves that are bright green and entirely smooth along the edges (lacking the sharp spines common to the genus). It forms a compact, funnel-shaped rosette that serves as a water reservoir.
The plant earns its common name from its spectacular flowering habit. It produces an arching or pendulous (hanging) flower spike (raceme) adorned with bead-like, brilliant red ovaries and small yellow flowers with black tips. These “jewels” are incredibly long-lasting and often appear during the cooler months, providing a festive splash of colour. Because of its pendulous habit, it is most effectively displayed in hanging baskets or mounted onto wood where the flowers can drape naturally.
Care Tips
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Position: Prefers bright, filtered light or moderate shade. Avoid direct, mid-day Australian sun, which can easily scorch the soft, glossy foliage. It is an excellent candidate for a shaded patio or a bright indoor room.
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Climate: Thrives in Tropical and Subtropical environments. While it enjoys warmth, it is somewhat more cold-tolerant than other tropical bromeliads, though it must be protected from frost.
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Watering: Like most Aechmeas, it has a central “cup.” Keep this cup filled with fresh water, ideally rainwater. Flush the water out every few weeks to prevent stagnation. The potting medium should be kept slightly moist but never waterlogged.
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Soil: Being an epiphyte, it requires an extremely free-draining medium. Use a bromeliad or orchid bark mix. It can also be successfully mounted onto a piece of cork or driftwood with a small amount of sphagnum moss around the roots.
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Fertilising: A light feeder. Use a half-strength liquid fertiliser designed for epiphytes applied to the foliage and soil during the spring and summer growing season.
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Humidity: Enjoys high humidity. If growing indoors, regular misting or placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles will help the plant thrive, especially during dry summer days.
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Propagation: After the flower spike fades, the mother plant will eventually produce “pups” at the base. Once these reach about half the size of the original plant, they can be removed and repotted to start a new specimen.
