Urn Plant

Tolerates a wide range from shade to full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours), but bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) produces the best color and bloom potential. Indoors, a window with eastern, western, or southern exposure works well. Direct afternoon sun may scorch leaves.

Moderate to high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby) preferred, but this species is more drought-tolerant than many bromeliads. Mist occasionally if indoor air is dry, especially in winter.

Well-draining bromeliad or epiphyte mix. A blend of vermiculite, perlite, and Canadian peat (recommended by the Bromeliad Society) works well. Can also be mounted on tree fern or cork bark as an epiphyte.

Mosquitoes and scale can breed in a stagnant central cup - flush it regularly. Root rot from waterlogged soil is the most common issue. Rust fungus can occur in overly wet conditions with poor air circulation.