How to Grow and Care for Your Aechmea Chantinii

Sprucing up your interior space comes easily with the help of the Aechmea Chantinii. It is an easy-to-care-for plant, making it an excellent option for many indoor gardeners.

In this post, we’ll provide all the valuable suggestions to help you care for your Aechmea Chantinii and keep it well-nourished.

We also have exciting options to explore if you’re looking to buy one. Keep reading to learn more about Aechmea’s background and growth behavior.

What Is Aechmea Chantinii?

Aechmea Chantinii is an evergreen perennial from the Bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae), also known as the Amazonian Zebra Plant, Queen of the Bromeliads, and Queen of the Aechmeas.

It is an Aechmea that grows best in hardiness zones 10-12. Keep it close to an east or west-facing window to grow its tropical strap-shaped, dark green with light yellow vertical stripes and white-silver horizontal stripes with small spines in the edge-colored leaves.

Origin And Family

The Amazonian Zebra Plant is part of the Aechmea genus in the Bromeliaceae family. It is native to the tropical forest of Central and South America’s rainforests. It has become an ideal tropical houseplant for many indoor growers as it is also easy to care for.

Amazonian Zebra Plant plants have been around for a long time; M. Baraguin introduced them in 1877 in France. 1889 was when it was first officially described.

Occasionally, it produces large, red, or orange bracts with deep red blooms throughout the year.

Where To Buy

Aechmea Chantinii is available for purchase either at your local nursery or a large home improvement store. However, it is usually preferable to get one on Etsy, where the costs are more reasonable. Etsy also allows us to purchase directly from plant enthusiasts who cultivate this variety in their homes.

The Aechmea Chantinii’s reasonably affordable price range from $20 for small plants to $40+ for a larger or more mature plant.

Aechmea Chantinii Plant Size

Indoors, the Aechmea Chantinii reaches a height of 1-3 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. This Aechmea grows moderately and beautifully thrives when placed near an east or west-facing window.

Aechmea Chantinii Care Needs

With appropriate care, most plants, including Aechmea Chantinii, are simple to cultivate at home.

It favors humidity and relatively dry soil and is well-known for its stunning flowers.

You should only be watering this Chantinii when the soil is relatively dry to the touch.

Like other plants, you’ll require good drainage holes in a terracotta pot.

Care Difficulty

This Queen of the Bromeliads is generally easy to care for. The most crucial factors for this beauty are the amount of sunlight and providing it with well-draining soil.

Growth Rate

When grown indoors, the Queen of the Aechmeas plant measures 1-3 feet in height. The warmth during spring and summer jumpstarts this plant’s growth spurt.

Aechmea species grow at a moderate speed, including the Chantinii.

Potting

Aechmea plants, in general, prefer a well-draining pot. A large-sized terracotta pot is recommended for your Amazonian Zebra Plant as they can become top-heavy and will probably trip over a plastic pot.

Lack of drainage, which causes root rot, is one of the main causes of houseplant deaths. Please make sure your pot has bottom holes that will let any extra water drain through.

Repotting

Generally, as plants grow and expand, you might consider upgrading from your current pot to a bigger pot on an as-needed basis. However, for mature Aechmeas, repotting is not a requirement as they don’t have an extensive root system.

You can repot young plants in small containers until they are stable enough, then move them into 4-6 inch pots. You can then wait for them to mature and bloom.

When repotting, you may use a new batch of standard commercial potting soil which is the ideal growing medium for your Aechmea Chantinii.

Soil

For the Queen of the Bromeliads, standard commercial potting soil is suitable. Add together components such as small bark chips, orchid potting soil, or coco coir to make your own soil mix. Keep in mind that this plant prefers a relatively dry growing medium.

Make sure you choose a soil type that accommodates good drainage and aeration to allow the roots to breathe better.

We recommend the following potting mixes:

pH

You’ll want to aim for a neutral to acidic pH, somewhere between 5.5 to 6.5. You shouldn’t worry too much because a typical commercial potting soil will already have a pH level that is near this range.

If you see some problems with your plant, you could do a pH test on the soil to see if this is the culprit.

Water

The watering frequency should vary based on the temperature and humidity in your plant’s surroundings. Generally speaking, your Amazonian Zebra Plant prefers a relatively dry growing medium.

Avoid overwatering your Amazonian Zebra Plant. When the soil is relatively dry to touch, it’s time to water your plant. Directly water the soil and take care not to wet the foliage so you can avoid fungal diseases. If you can, use purified water or rain water when you drench this plant.

Allow the water to run through the pot’s bottom. If your plant sits in a collection tray, remember to dump it.

Light

Coming from the rainforests of Central and South America, this plant is used to receiving bright indirect light.

It is crucial to provide the perfect light conditions for this plant to thrive. Your plant may get burnt leaves if the sunlight is too intense or if it is exposed to the sun for an extended period. If this happens, move your plant away from the window or block the light by using blinds and drapes.

On the other hand, if left in partial shade for too long, its variegation may fade. In this case, you may move your plant near a window. You can also supplement it with grow lights. We recommend the following artificial lighting products:

Avoid putting your Aechmea Bromeliads in direct sunlight, as this could seriously damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

The Queen of the Bromeliads’ growing season is in the spring and summer. During this time, fertilize your plant every other week using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

When this plant’s development naturally slows in the winter months, you don’t need to fertilize.

Propagating Aechmea Chantinii

The Aechmea Chantinii can be propagated from the comfort of your home. Here are steps for making more of this stunning plant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Stem cuttings planted in the soil is an easy way to propagate your Amazonian Zebra Plant. Propagate your Aechmea Chantinii when it’s actively growing during early spring.

1. Cut it. Find a healthy section from your mother plant – new growth is ideal. Make a cutting at least three inches long with visible nodes from the base of the plant. Use sterilized scissors.

2. Plant it. Place the Aechmea Chantinii cutting in damp soil, making sure the nodes are buried. Then, use your fingers to press the dirt around the baby Aechmea Chantinii’s stem to hold the cutting in place.

3. Maintain it. Water the soil (keep it moist) to encourage faster rooting. Keep the Aechmea Chantinii near a window in bright, indirect sunlight.

4. Wait it out. Around 2-3 weeks later, you will find new buds on the top leaves of the Aechmea Chantinii. This means that your Amazonian Zebra Plant cutting has rooted!

Humidity And Aeration

Aechmea Chantinii is a stunning perennial that loves high humidity. It is recommended to keep the air humidity levels around 50%-70% for best results.

Aside from absorbing water through its roots, your plant will also need nourishment from the moisture in the air. You can keep bowls of water evaporating nearby, or you can invest in a humidifier to ensure a more consistent moisture level for your plant. These plants also love good air circulation to thrive.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for your Queen of the Aechmeas is 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This tropical houseplant loves being kept in locations with warm temperatures.

More importantly, make sure you avoid any sudden temperature spikes or drops. So the roots of your Queen of the Aechmeas won’t go into shock, do not use cold or hot water when watering.

Flowers

If you can provide the best conditions for your plant and keep it at its happiest, you might be able to see significant red or orange bracts with deep red flowers or large pink blooms. You must know, however, that most plants generally bloom in an outdoor environment.

Non-Toxic

This tropical beauty is considered non-toxic to humans, cats, or dogs! This means it’s a terrific addition to any home, whether you have pets or not!

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

In most situations, the Aechmea Chantinii is a disease-resistant and pest-resistant plant. There are, however, some common issues that can affect it. Below we’re discussing common problems and solutions to protect your Aechmea Chantinii.

Spider Mites

Sometimes, houseplants bring unwelcome visitors to your home as pests. The spider mite is one example. Although the larvae are not noticeable, adult mites can be spotted scampering around when disturbed.

Diluted neem oil sprayed on the plant’s leaves can help get rid of spider mites in their larval stage. Organic Pyrethrin sprays are also excellent at killing adult mites. When spraying pesticides inside, pick compounds that are not dangerous to people if inhaled.

White Flies

Whiteflies, soft-bodied winged insects, may be drawn to the Amazonian Zebra Plant. While adult whiteflies are usually harmless, they will lay eggs that hatch into larvae that feed on your plant’s leaves.

Some insecticides can kill whiteflies at all phases of development, but choose one that is safe to spray indoors. Here are some options we recommend:

Neem oil, horticultural oil, and insecticidal soap are great organic alternatives too!

Scale Insects

Insects, called scales, eat the sap of plants. They differ from other insects because the mature scale will stick to one area of the plant and remain there. They are known as armored scales and might resemble brownish lumps on a plant’s stems or petioles.

Neem oil can be diluted in 500 mL of water and sprayed on plant leaves to deter scales from adhering to your Aechmea Chantinii as a preventative precaution.

Infected plants might also benefit from the release of ladybugs or lacewings, which will take care of the issue for you.

Aphids

Aphids are typically spotted as a cluster of bugs on your Queen of the Bromeliads. They could be colored green, black, red, brown, yellow, orange, or white. They multiply extremely fast and can weaken your plant within days!

Aphids are attracted to new shoots, flower buds, and growth areas. They will leave behind unsightly black and white splotches as they feed on the sap.

If you spot these icky crawlers, immediately isolate your infected plant from the others. Give your plant a strong spray of water to dislodge the aphids, but remember to cover the soil with plastic to catch any falling bugs and their eggs. Dispose of the plastic somewhere far away from your garden.

An insecticidal soap spray, neem oil, or horticultural oil can solve the problem. Still, this process needs to be repeated several times until you’re sure the aphid population has been completely eradicated.

Spotted at Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota FL: aechmea chantinii 'Samurai.' On my sister's wish list. pic.twitter.com/fbVgo5H9Oz

— Flying Cloud (@FlyingCloud01) January 10, 2017

Mealybugs

Your tropical houseplant can become a victim of a Mealybug infestation. They use their sucking tubes to eat the plant’s sap which will weaken your Queen of the Aechmeas.

As a preventive measure against many diseases, I suggest a monthly application of neem oil on your houseplants. Remember to dilute the neem and spray only in cool weather.

If an infestation happens, mix a cup of rubbing alcohol, a teaspoon of fragrance-free dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. Spray that on Queen of the Aechmeas twice a week until the mealybugs are gone.

Brown Leaf Tips

Sometimes, you might notice brown leaf tips on your Amazonian Zebra Plant. This often indicates that your plant is underwatered or rapidly transpiring water from its leaves.

In your indoor growing area, raise the humidity levels, or water your plant as soon as the dirt starts to dry out.

Make sure your plant has a breathable, well-draining growth medium because brown leaf tips might potentially indicate a problem with the plant’s roots.

Drooping Leaves

If you notice drooping leaves on your Aechmea Chantinii, it might be thirsty or need more moisture in the air. Plant leaves will usually remain fresh and perky for a longer period if you keep a humidifier nearby.

Another cause of downward-curling leaves is overexposure to bright light. In this case, you can simply move your plant away from the nearest source of light and heat.

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves on Queen of the Bromeliads can be due to the lack of light, excessive light, overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, overfertilization, changes in temperature and humidity, recent disruption of the roots, presence of pests, and many others.

If you’re confused, don’t worry! Gardening requires trial and error to determine the ideal conditions for your plants, and even master gardeners learn new things daily.

It is normally encouraged to prune off yellowing leaves so the plant will supply its nutrients to the new leaves instead of wasting its energy trying to “save” the yellowing ones.

Root Rot

Root rot in Queen of the Aechmeas is often caused by overwatering. Too much moisture will drown your plant or invite fungal diseases that destroy the roots.

Determining the appropriate level of hydration will keep your Aechmea healthy. Instead of limiting the water you pour on your indoor plants out of fear that the roots will drown, you can use a substrate that will drain and dry fast. In your regular potting soil, add some chunky but light components such as perlite, pumice, bark, coco cubes, coal, river sand, and many others.

You must also make sure your pot has holes for the water to drain. Picking porous pots made from terracotta or unglazed ceramic can help you achieve well-drained soil.

AGH there's a variation of bromeliad called Aechmea chantinii and it looks? like? the Beetlejuice sandworm? and I NEED IT?? pic.twitter.com/k5DhwOs5aN

— beasty🍖 (@braverbeast) September 23, 2019

Similar Plants

Love Amazonian Zebra Plant? Here are other similar plant options you can try:

• African Violets – Clusters of purple, blue, or white flowers over fuzzy leaves adorn this popular ornamental plant. They are compact and low-growing that bloom several times a year. So even though they can be a bit demanding when it comes to caring, you can undoubtedly grow this beautiful plant with little extra attention.

• Ponytail Palm – Neither a palm nor a tree, but a succulent. That uniqueness must be enough to convince you to get this plant. It has a sleek and bulb-like trunk decorated with long, curly leaves, making it a stunning houseplant that’s easy to care for.

• Hoya Lacunosa – Aromatic, stunning, and dainty. The Hoya plant has a delicate, green, oval-shaped vine that grows from thin, trailing tendrils. It is a perennial that blooms all year round, making it a great houseplant to add to your indoor garden.

Conclusion

Prized for its showy flowers and patterned silver foliage, Aechmea Chantinii is a beautiful decoration for your household. Following our growing tips will give you no trouble growing this Aechmea.

Do you have an Amazonian Zebra Plant in your collection? We’d love to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected], and we might post them on our blog!

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