Aechmea chantinii aka Amazon Zebra Plant

Aechmea chantinii, the Amazonian zebra plant, belongs to the pineapple family, Bromeliaceae. This evergreen perennial comes from tropical South America. Its native range includes northern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. In the wild, it grows as an epiphyte on trees. Gardeners grow it indoors for its patterned leaves and bright flowers. It also suits containers on warm, sheltered patios.

The plant forms an upright, vase-shaped rosette without a visible stem. It reaches about 1–3 feet (0.3–0.9 metres) tall. Its spread reaches 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 metres). RHS gives an upper height and spread of 3.3 feet (1 metre). About twelve stiff, leathery leaves form each rosette. Each leaf measures about 1 foot (0.3 metres) long. Deep green leaves bear silver crossbands and pale yellow lengthwise stripes. Small spines line their edges, giving the plant a coarse texture.

In summer, a tall red flower stalk rises above the leaves. It carries a branched panicle with red bracts. The tubular flowers combine yellow and red and last well. Small red berries may follow, though fruit rarely forms. Each berry measures less than an inch long and wide. Each rosette flowers once, then dies after making offsets at its base. These offsets allow the plant to continue growing as a clump. They can also provide new plants when removed and rooted.

Give this plant bright, filtered light and a freely draining mix. Use bromeliad compost, or a gritty mix rich in humus. Keep the mix moist, but avoid leaving the roots waterlogged. Its central cup stores water and helps it endure dry spells. Use rainwater or distilled water to limit salt buildup. Empty and rinse the cup at least once a month. Feed monthly during growth with a low-nitrogen fertiliser. It needs warmth and cannot withstand frost. RHS rates it H1B, suitable outdoors in summer under UK conditions.

This plant needs no pruning and has few disease problems. Mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites can still attack it. Too much water can cause root rot. NC State lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The supplied sources give no food use for its berries or leaves.