Neoregelia, also known as blushing bromeliad, is a tropical plant native to Brazil. It is a popular choice for terrariums and indoor gardens because it is easy to care for and tolerant of low light conditions. Neoregelia typically grows to about 12 inches in height and width, with green leaves that may blush red or purple when exposed to direct sunlight. These plants require little water and fertilizer, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.
Is it easy to grow Neoregelia plant? So, the Neoregelia plant is a good option for anyone just starting to get into gardening and looking for an easy plant to take care of. Neoregelia plants are known for being low-maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. They are also relatively tough plants, so they can withstand a little bit of neglect.
How big can it be? Although their leaves vary in color and pattern, most neoregelias are relatively small, with a total width of 35-45 cm. However, some can reach a size of up to 60 cm and 1.5 m.
How fast is the growth? The Neoregelia plant is a slow-growing plant that reaches a maximum height of about two feet. It has a rosette growth habit and produces small, brightly-colored flowers. The plant is native to Brazil and is commonly used as a houseplant in the United States.
| Plant Form | Herbaceous |
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Origin | South America: Brazil |
How long is the lifespan? When to repot. Rosettes live for about 2-3 years. It is advisable to separate the young rosettes for further growing the plant. Do not wait for the complete withering of the mother socket. The plant usually blooms in the spring. The blooming period lasts about 2-3 weeks. After the blooming, the plant forms seeds, which ripen in about 2 weeks.
What is the ideal temperature? Eventually, the Neoregelia plant will flower. The flowers are small, white and inconspicuous. The Neoregelia plant prefers an air temperature of 59-69,8 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and in winter, the temperature should be kept relatively constant at not lower than 55,4 degrees Fahrenheit.
What about the humidity? When growing Neoregelia indoors, the plant should be kept in an environment with a humidity level of at least 50-60%. It is also advisable to spray the plant with soft water daily, being careful not to wet the flowers. The pot should also have a drainage hole to ensure that the plant's roots are not sitting in water.
What amount of light this plant needed? The leaves of most neoregelias are green, but some hybrids have leaves with intense red, purple, or even orange coloration. Many neoregelias are adapted to low-light conditions and will do well in a north- or east-facing windowsill. However, some of the more brightly colored hybrids require more intense light, such as that found in a south-facing window.
What is good soil for Neoregelia? When growing Neoregelia you should use light fertile soil. A mix of foliage, sand, and peat is ideal, and adding sphagnum is also desirable. The ratio of ingredients can be one part peat to one part coarse sand. The pot should have drainage holes to make up for at least a third of the pot's volume.
How much I must water Neoregelia? While the plant is actively growing during the summer, water it 1-2 times a week, making sure the soil stays slightly moist. The easiest way to water a Neoregelia is to pour softened water directly onto the rosette of leaves, making sure to wet the leaves thoroughly. Do this once a week, and change out the water each time. In winter, when the plant is not actively growing, water it much less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
About fertilizer. Common ly, every 2 to 3 weeks from spring to autumn, gardeners will give their Neoregelia plants a strong diluted soluble fertilizer. The fertilizer is poured into the socket of the plant. Another way to fertilize the plant is to spray the leaves with fertilizer for orchids.
How to reproduce Neoregelia? Common ly, these plants reproduce through offsets or pups which appear at the base of the plant or rosette. Once the pups have reached half the size of the mother plant, they can be carefully separated using a sharp knife. The cut should be treated with charcoal powder to promote healing and prevent infection. Allow the offsets to dry for a day or two before replanting in sphagnum moss or peat. The newly transplanted offset should be kept in partial shade until it becomes established. If the offset does not have its own roots, it can be placed under a sheet of clear polyethylene to promote better root development. Scions (offsets) will not bloom for 2-3 years. Alternatively, Neoregelia can be propagated from seed. Sow the seeds in a mixture of sand and sphagnum moss in a mini-greenhouse at a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Seedlings will appear in 2-3 weeks. When the seedlings have 2-3 leaves (after 3-4 months), they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Why Neoregelia won't bloom? Because of the way Neoregelia plants bloom, they are also called Bromeliad plants. Neoregelia plants are epiphytic, which means they grow on other plants or trees instead of in the ground. Neoregelia plants have long, strap-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are green, but before the plant blooms, the central leaves become bright red and permanently retain their color.
How much I must water Neoregelia? Sometimes, a Neoregelia plant will need to be transferred to a new pot or location. This is typically only necessary if the plant becomes unstable. When transferring a Neoregelia plant, be sure not to deepen the plant. The root system of the plant is very small, so this could damage the plant. Instead, simply transplant the plant to the new pot or location.
How to care the plant? Unless you want your Neoregelia plant to become a center piece in your home, then you don't have to worry too much about its care. It's an easy plant to take care of. Just make sure you don't overwater it, and that it has good drainage. Leaves of the plant can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but should be careful not to injure yourself on the sharp teeth. Damaged leaves must be cut off in time. The plant can be grown without soil on a piece of bark, in which a hole is cut. In this hole is placed a plant whose roots must be wrapped with moss-sphagnum.
What is the challenge when caring Neoregelia plant? The reason why this plant is difficult is that it is very sensitive to changes in temperature and watering. For example, if the temperature changes or the plant doesn't get enough water, the leaves will wilt and the plant will shrink. In addition, if there is not enough light, the leaves will become paler.
Are Neoregelia poisonous? Because of the bromeliad plant's high water content, it is easy for the plant to absorb and store toxins. If the plant is grown in an area where there are high levels of toxins in the soil or water, the plant can accumulate these toxins in its leaves. When the plant is ingested, these toxins can be released into the body and cause illness. Symptoms of Neoregelia toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a Neoregelia plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
