Growing Conditions
Follow these guidelines for growing striking additions to your houseplant collection.
Light: These plants thrive in indirect light or moderate shade. They can be acclimated to higher light levels. Water: Keep water in the central cup. Change the water frequently with clean water to prevent odor and bacteria. Temperature: These plants are somewhat more cold hardy than many tropicals, but they prefer 55 F or higher. They can survive to 40 F if you have taken them outside for the summer and there’s a cold dip in nighttime temperatures, but it’s not advised. Soil: Use any soil mix. These are technically air plants that use their roots for support. Fertilizer: Fertilize very sparingly with a liquid fertilizer in the central cup during the growing season.
Propagation
Neoregelia, like all bromeliads, spreads by producing offsets or plantlets around the base of mature plants. After the mature plant has flowered, the mother plant will gradually die back as the pups take over. These can be potted into their pots.
Repotting
Mature bromeliads should not be repotted. Smaller bromeliads can be potted into small containers until they are established, then moved into four- or six-inch pots until they flower. Neoregelias are somewhat lower, broader plants than some of the other bromeliads (like Guzmania and Aechmea), so they are less likely to topple over in their new pots.
Varieties
By far the most common Neoregelia species seen in garden centers is the Neoregelia carolinae, which grows in larger rosettes of strappy, narrow leaves, often with beautiful variegation. As the plant flowers, the center of the cup blushes red, and small flowers emerge. Mature plants are usually less than a foot in height and spread up to 20 inches. Many other Neoregelia species are available, but these are considerably less common and harder to find.
Grower’s Tips
Neoregelia plants are not difficult bromeliads to grow, but they are somewhat more dependent on strong light to develop deep, vivid colors in their leaves than others. They can even withstand some gentle, direct sunlight, such as eastern morning exposure. As with other bromeliads, avoid tap water in the central cup if possible and don’t overfeed them. Provide ample humidity during the summer growing season by misting.
