Aechema recurvata is a wonderful and very easy to grow species with a several naturally occurring varieties and many cultivars. It is native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, where it grows as an epiphyte or on rocks or rocky areas. In cultivation these are very easy plants to grow that thrive on neglect. I grow mine in pots and hanging baskets in a peat and potting bark mix with a low nutrient content. They can also be mounted as long as they are given some medium to root into eg tree fern sections. They like mid to high levels and regular watering. They are also quite hardy, with plants here surviving temps down to 0c easily.
Aechmea recurvata var. benrathii is a beautiful naturally occurring variety from Santa Caterina in Southern Brazil. It has black leaf bases and markings and colors up the most beautiful pinks and purples and has pink flowers that fade to purple.
Pot, hanger and compost available separately.