Home / All Plants (Excluding Marcgravia) / Aechmea kertesziae [unrooted offset]
Aechmea kertesziae [unrooted offset]
GenusAechmeaRegionSouth AmericaPlant GroupBromeliadsGrowth HabitRosetteSetupTerrarium or HouseplantDifficultyBeginner
$9.00 $12.00 Save 25%
SALE
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Only 3 left ← Back to collection
Ships Mondays only
Care information

*Aechmea kertesziae* is a compact, epiphytic bromeliad native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. It forms tight rosettes of arching green leaves with a lightly spined margin and may produce upright inflorescences when mature. Note that these are roughly twice the size of the Neoregelia that I offer
This species prefers bright, filtered light and high humidity, and it can be grown mounted or potted in a coarse mix. Well-suited to terrariums, vivariums, or mounted tropical displays.

You will receive an **unrooted offset**, grower’s choice. It will be similar in size and form to the one pictured but not the exact plant. Shipped bare-root or in moss depending on conditions.

**Light Requirements:** Bright, indirect to filtered light. Avoid harsh direct sun.
**Humidity Requirements:** Moderate to high, 60–90%.
**Temperature Range:** 65–85°F (18–29°C). it has handled drops to 38°f overnight without damage.
**Growth Habit:** Epiphytic rosette-forming bromeliad. May offset over time.
**Soil:** Well-draining epiphytic mix — orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss recommended. Can also be mounted.
**pH:** Slightly acidic to neutral, 5.5–6.5.
**Size:** Compact. Rosettes typically reach 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) in diameter.

Plant Details
Airflow
Medium — Essential for "wetish" setups. Needs regular air exchange or internal circulation fans to prevent water from sitting on leaves, which helps avoid rot and fungal issues.
Family
Bromeliaceae
Growth strategy
Epiphyte
Humidity
60–80% — Suitable for "open-top" or partially ventilated terrariums. While higher than average household humidity, these plants are adaptable and less prone to leaf melt if the environment fluctuates slightly.
Lighting
Bright — Requires high-output lighting to maintain vivid color expression (especially for reds, purples, and variegation) and to ensure shingling habits stay tight and compact.
PH
5.5–6.5 — Acidic (Optimal): The “Goldilocks” zone for most tropical terrarium plants, including Marcgravia. This range ensures maximum nutrient availability and mimics the natural decomposition of leaf litter on the rainforest floor.
Sales form
Cutting
Size
Medium
Temperature
70–85°F — Standard Tropical Range. This mirrors the natural understory of the rainforest, providing enough warmth for vigorous growth while remaining safe from the extreme heat that can bake a closed glass enclosure.
Watering substrate
Damp — These plants love high moisture levels; the substrate should stay wet to the touch at all times but should not be sitting in a stagnant, waterlogged state.
World
New World — Native to the Western Hemisphere: North, Central, and South America plus the Caribbean