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Neoregelia bromeliads arefancy foliage plantsand stunners for your houseplant collection.
They resemble other plants in the bromeliad family with a center rosette and long, narrow leaves.
Given the right growing conditions,these epiphytes are easy to maintain.
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Unlike orchids and other bromeliads where the flower is the most attractive feature, neoregelia foliage provides year-round interest.
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Leaf patterns and colors can be altered with incorrect exposure to light.
Soil
Plant neoregelias in a loose, airy, soilless mix that drains well.
Some specialty garden retailers also carry potting mixes formulated specifically for bromeliads.
These plants prefer a pH lightly on the acidic side.
Water
Keep about one-quarter of the center cup of your bromeliad filled with water.
Rainwater or distilled water works best.
Allow the potting medium to dry completely before watering a neoregelia.
These plants are adapted to dry conditions and are somewhat drought-tolerant.
Allow all excess water to drain.
Overwatering causes root rot which is difficult to reverse.
Temperature and Humidity
Humidity is the greatest factor for keeping a neoregelia healthy.
Keep air moisture elevatedby misting your bromeliad daily or consider adding a small humidifier.
Avoid getting fertilizer into the center cup which can burn the leaves.
Types of Neoregelia Bromeliad
Neoregelia is a genus of bromeliad with about 100 species and cultivars.
Here are a few favorites to consider growing yourself.
Propagating Neoregelia Bromeliad
Bromeliads are short-lived plants that flower just once in a life cycle.
Repot in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Choose a pot with drainage holes.
Terracotta and ceramic pots are good choices because they allow water to evaporate.
Turn the pot with your neoregelia on its side and gently pull out the bromeliad.
Remove excess medium and inspect the roots.
Place the neoregelia in its new pot with the base of the central stem sitting slightly above soil level.
Fill in around the roots with potting medium.
Water to settle the mix and add more if needed.
Infestations may need to betreated with neem oilor insecticidal soap.
Overwatering can cause bacterial leaf spot or root rot to develop.
Keep just the center rosette partly filled with water and let the potting medium dry out completely before watering.
Allow all excess water to drain before returning the pot to its permanent location.
Avoid leaving the pot to sit in water.
Is This Plant Right For You?
Common problems that do come up are usually the result of an error in care.
Keep neoregelia’s cup filled just one-quarter to one-third full and change the water frequently.
If your water is heavily treated use distilled or rainwater.
Faded Color on Foliage
Neoregelia is light sensitive with some cultivars preferring nearly full shade.
If leaf colors start to look faded or washed out, the plant is receiving too much light exposure.
Move it to a location that gets indirect sun exposure for less time during the day.
Leaf Scorch
Bright direct sunlight causes neoregelia foliage to burn.
Scorch marks such as dry or dark tips or margins are indications of leaf scorch.
Move the plant to a location that receives only bright, indirect light.
Neoregelia bromeliads have a lifespan of three to four years.
Like other bromeliads, they die back after flowering however the original plant produces offshoots first.
Neoregelias should never be given full sun which causes the spectacular foliage to burn and fade.
Light requirements are variety dependent but most neoregelias prefer indirect light in the morning and shade in the afternoon.
Neoregelias can be kept safely around children and pets since no part of these bromeliads is toxic.
