A native of Brazil, Aechmea fasciata (silver vase, urn plant) is a member of the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae), the same family as pineapples.
The plants grow about 2 feet tall with overlapping, leathery leaves blotched with silver forming a watertight vase or urn, giving it its common name. It is often grown as a houseplant and at maturity (usually about 5 years) produces a long-lasting (up to 6 months), bright pink flower bract with small blue flowers.
After flowering, plants lose vigor and die. But new plants can be grown from offsets that appear toward the end of flowering.
Stop by the Conservatory now to see one currently in bloom.