Neoregelia is perhaps the most popular genus of bromeliads for Australian gardeners and collectors. Unlike many other bromeliads that are grown for their tall flower spikes, Neoregelias are grown for their spectacular, year-round foliage. They form a broad, flat rosette of leaves that act as a central “tank” to collect water.
The most famous trait of the Neoregelia is the “blushing” effect: as the plant reaches maturity and prepares to flower, the innermost leaves of the rosette change colour, usually turning a brilliant crimson, purple, or pink. The actual flowers are small, three-petalled, and nestle deep within the central cup, often appearing as though they are submerged in water. They are incredibly versatile, used as groundcovers in tropical gardens, mounted on trees, or grown in decorative pots.
Care Tips
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Position: Most prefer bright, filtered light. High light levels are essential to “colour up” the foliage; however, direct midday summer sun can cause scorched brown patches on the leaves.
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Climate: Thrives in Tropical, Subtropical, and Warm Temperate regions. They are quite hardy but must be protected from frost. In cooler areas, they are best kept in greenhouses or as indoor plants.
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Watering: Always keep the central “cup” filled with fresh water. It is a good idea to flush this out once a week with a hose to prevent the water from becoming stagnant or breeding mosquitoes. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet.
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Soil: Being epiphytes (air plants), they require an extremely free-draining mix. Use a specific bromeliad mix or a blend of orchid bark and perlite. They can also be tied to logs or rocks using fishing line and sphagnum moss.
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Fertilising: Be careful with fertiliser. Too much nitrogen can cause the plant to lose its brilliant colours and turn plain green. Use a controlled-release fertiliser sparingly around the base in spring.
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Propagation: After flowering, the mother plant will slowly die over a year or two. During this time, she will produce “pups” (offsets) at her base. Once these pups are about half the size of the mother, they can be removed and repotted.
