Aechmea ‘Primera’

Question:

I received an Aechmea planter for a gift after I had back surgery. Never seen or heard of this before, I came online & found your advice on indoor plants & this was one of them. My Question: is I have a cat & was wondering if this plant could do any harm to her.

Answer:

Your Aechmea is a member of the Bromeliad family of plants. It is not listed as toxic to cats on the ASPCA website, so I think your cat is safe.

Do not repot your Aechmea as it does best when kept potbound. Keep it within a few feet of an uncovered window. Allow the soil to become dry on the surface before watering the soil. Do NOT put water in the “cup,” as is often recommended incorrectly. With good care, the flower can last up to 3-4 months.