Aechmea "Foster's Favorite Favorite" Sport – Rare Bromeliad

Aechmea ‘Foster’s Favorite Favorite’ Sport Aechmea ‘Fosters Favorite Favorite’ is a classic cultivar from Bromeliad pioneer Mulford Foster, and is one of the most spectacularly colored Aechmeas. The standard form of it is a stunning albo-marginated cultivar of ‘Fosters Favorite’. Typically, the variegation is cream colored and suffused with pinks and reds with green, as may be seen in the first two photos. This sport started in my greenhouse, and is exceptionally dark and glossy. The leaves are deep black-maroon, and darkest olive green, with bright burgundy-pink edges, and this medium-sized grower is sure to please. At various times of the year, pendant inflorescences appear, and bear large red fruits that retain their color for several weeks. It is semi stoloniferous, but is easily grown in a 5-6″ pot, and prefers a moisture-retentive yet well-drained potting mix – Orchid mix is ideal. Requires bright shade, and supposedly warm temperatures; mine has been growing in an unheated greenhouse for 20 plus years, with night temperatures that dip into the upper 30s to low 40s in winter, and cool temperatures year around, even in summer, with temps that rarely exceed 80 degrees. Considered tricky to grow, this exceptional sport is well worth the extra effort. Averages 18-24″ tall at maturity. (Please Note: As this is a sport, in different conditions, there is a chance that the plant may revert to the classic form.) This offering is for one large, well-rooted and established, blooming-size plant in a 5″ pot – with two fresh leads, and an older central lead. Shipped in pot. – The exact plant seen in the last two photos. The flower photos are for reference only. Not in bloom. I have been collecting and cultivating rare and exotic plants for nearly 50 years, and I take pride in what I grow and sell here on ebay. All photos are of plants in my own collection – unless stated otherwise. NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING – SORRY – I ONLY SHIP TO THE US. I do combine shipping for multiple items – please request a new shipping total before checking out . Please Note: requesting combined shipping can not be done on a phone – the request must be made from a computer or tablet. (For some reason, the ebay phone app doesn’t allow it. ) I automatically combine shipping for multiple orders – Before ordering, please read all information under the STORE POLICIES section, regarding Shipping and Handling Fees and Combined Shipping. Thank you! Upon arrival of the seeds/cutting/plant, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I want you to be happy with your purchase and to have the greatest success in its cultivation! Robert