How to Pollinate Urn plant

(Aechmea fasciata)

Urn plant, also known as Silver vase

Urn plant seductively attracts dusk and dawn aviators - birds and bats - through its vibrant colors and distinct scent. It utilizes these pollinators to facilitate a unique 'dip and dash' method, where the creatures dip for the plant's nectar and unwittingly gather pollen, dispersing it during subsequent visits. This fascinating pollination dance mainly occurs during twilight hours, aligning with the active times of its pollinators.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Urn Plant?

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Primary pollinators

Birds, Bats

Potential pollinators

Wind

How Does Pollination Occur in Urn Plant?

Urn plant bears pink bracts with purple flowers. The plant forms a large rosulate inflorescence, with the flowers nestled among the bracts. These protruding flowers provide physical accessibility for pollinators.

Pollination occurs when a pollinator transfers pollen from the male anthers to the female stigma of urn plant. It doesn't have self-pollination mechanism.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Urn Plant?

Plant Diversity

Introduce nectar-rich flowering plants into the garden or farm. Birds and bats are attracted to plants with bright, colorful flowers and high nectar production. This can be especially effective in attracting hummingbirds, which are one of the types of birds that are pollinators for many plants.

Shelter

Provide structures suitable for nesting and roosting for birds and bats. This could include bird houses, bat boxes, or trees with cavities. Ensuring a safe space for these pollinators encourages their presence in the area.

Water Source

Birds and bats, like all animals, need a reliable source of water. By providing bird baths, shallow pools, or other water features, you can attract more of these animals to the area and encourage them to stay.

Pesticide Management

Opt for organic or integrated pest management strategies. Chemical pesticides can harm birds, bats, and other pollinators, making them less likely to visit the garden or farm. Avoiding or minimizing pesticide use can help keep these essential pollinators healthy.

How Can You Determine if Urn Plant has Been Pollinated?

Brightly Colored Bracts

For urn plant, successful pollination is hinted by vibrant, changed color of bracts during the flowering season.

Seed Formation

Unlike the fruit, the seeds of urn plant are minute but noticeable. A sign of pollination is the existence of these seeds in the fruit.

Persistent Flowers

In urn plant, flowers persistently blooming for several weeks is a good indication that pollination has occurred.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Urn Plant

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Urn Plant?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is essential for transferring pollen from the male to the female flowers.

Tweezers

These are used for delicately handling the tiny flowers of urn plant to avoid accidental damage.

Misting bottle

A misting bottle filled with water can help maintain humidity during the process, as urn plant prefers higher humidity levels.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Urn Plant?

The best time for hand-pollination of urn plant is early in the morning when the flowers are just opening. This usually aligns with the blooming period which is typically in the late spring to early summer, depending on its growing conditions.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Urn Plant

Step1: Preparation

Prepare all the required materials ensuring they are clean. Adjust the plant to a comfortable position for easy access to the flowers.

Step2: Identification

Locate the male and female flowers. The male flowers usually have pollen visible on the stamen, while the female flowers have a sticky stigma for receiving pollen.

Step3: Pollen Collection

Use the small brush to gently gather pollen from the anther of a male flower. Be careful to avoid damaging the flower.

Step4: Pollen Transfer

Gently dab the pollen-loaded brush onto the stigma of a female flower, ensuring enough pollen makes contact with the sticky surface.

Step5: Humidity Maintenance

Mist the pollinated flowers delicately to maintain appropriate humidity levels. This simulates natural dew and can assist in the overall pollination process.

Step6: Repeat

Repeat the process with other flowers on the urn plant plant.

Step7: Follow-Up

Monitor the plant over the next few days for signs of successful pollination such as the development of fruit or seed.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Urn Plant Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Lack of Pollinators

For better pollination, place urn plant outside during the flowering season to attract natural pollinators if the plant is grown indoors.

Lack of Flowering

If urn plant is not flowering, it might be due to insufficient light. To stimulate flowering, move the plant to a brighter location.

Inappropriate Temperature

Urn plant prefers warm conditions, but too high a temperature can deter pollinators. Ensure the plant is located in favorable temperature conditions.