better view

For any of the tree-dwelling broms (Aechmeas included) I'm a big fan of using vanda baskets and large wood chips, sphagnum, or stones as substrate. It looks great and prevents over-watering. It also lets the roots sprawl out however they want and makes for easy repotting.

It certainly needs breaking up. I wouldn't do anything until the inflorescence has died and the pups are 1/3 size of mum. Once broken up you will find your pot size okay and many other plants to pot up as well..

Hi everyone.

Adam - I have three different forms of Ae. distichantha, there is the large one Ae. distichantha v. distichantha which looks like the one you have and grows to about 3-4 feet with viscious spikes on the ends of the leaves.

Then there is Ae. distichantha v. glaziovii which seems to be a miniature version as it's only 10-12 inches high.

I have a third called Ae. distichantha intermedia which is about halfway between the two in size.

They all have sharp spike on the leaf tips but the Ae. distichantha v. distichantha is by far the worst, and is so vicious I'm sure it could penetrate a fair distance into anyone's body if they fell into a clump of it.

It is possible to trim off the very sharp point without making it obvious or disfiguring the plant thus making it less dangerous.

This is what I've done to mine as well as moving them back into the middle of the garden out of the way of my three grandsons when they are running around the yard. The other option of course is buy the small Ae. distichantha v. glaziovii and toss the big one in the "green waste bin".

All the best, Nev.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I think i will wait for the flower to fade then split it up. I will definately snip of the spines before making a start.