Family: Bromeliaceae

Urn plant is an herbaceous bromeliad with striking pink flowers.

Native to Brasil, the urn plant is commonly cultivated in the tropics. The variegated green leaves form an urn-like shape, hence the common name.  Shade and ample water are needed, the same requirements for mosquito habitat. A bit of soap water inside the urn will deter mosquitoes. It is sometimes grown epiphytically. However, they may require some moss on their roots to prevent drying out.  This plant blooms almost all year long in Hawaiʻi.  The flowers are sterile and don’t produce viable seed. Propagate via suckers from a friend’s plant or buy from your local Pono nursery. 

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cut flower
• Ornamental
• Shade

Plant Dangers:

• Allergenic
• Thorns or spines

High Risk Traits:

• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Native to tropical regions (Brazil)
  
• History of repeated introductions (ornamental trade)
  
• Spiny leaf tips and margins
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soils
  
• Berries likely bird-dispersed
  
• Reproduces vegetatively (offsets)
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized or invasive
  
• Does not form dense thickets or climb
  
• Requires specialist pollinators (hummingbirds)
  
• Slow generative time (6+ years to flower from seed)
  
• Low seed production
  
• No persistent seed bank
  
• Not dispersed by wind or water
  
• No evidence of unintentional dispersal