Pingwing Ixtle
Aechmea magdalenaefam. Bromeliaceae
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Pl. D165 — Aechmea magdalenae
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IOverview
Overview
Pingwing Ixtle, scientifically known as Aechmea magdalenae, is a perennial plant native to Central and Southwest Mexico, as well as parts of Central America including Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. It thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. This plant can grow up to 2.5 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit. Found in various habitats across its native range, Pingwing Ixtle stands out with its light green leaves that often have a silvery sheen, making it an ornamental addition to gardens or landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Pingwing Ixtle?
Pingwing Ixtle, scientifically known as Aechmea magdalenae, is a perennial plant native to Central and Southwest Mexico, as well as parts of Central America including Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pingwing Ixtle thrives in partial sun to full shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters. For propagation, division works well. Harvest the fruit for edible consumption.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pingwing Ixtle for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple setup for Pingwing Ixtle to ensure success in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Aechmea magdalenae plant, well-draining soil mix, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Pingwing Ixtle in spring when the weather is mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a pot with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining soil, or prepare a garden bed with light, medium, or heavy soil types.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the Pingwing Ixtle into its new home, ensuring the roots are covered and the plant is stable.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place it in partial sun to full shade for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist. Provide light shade and avoid direct sunlight.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance but do not harvest fruit as it is not commonly done for this plant.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Pingwing Ixtle (Aechmea magdalenae) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but may also be incorporated into local dishes, though specific culinary uses are not detailed here.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 14 native· 1 introduced
Americas8 regions
native (8)BelizeColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua
Broader regions
native:Mexico Southeast, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean
introduced:Trinidad-Tobago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
4 related
See also
4 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Bromeliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Bromeliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · d165262b-6b5b-4c1a-9ffd-d9a0db607388
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