Bromeliad Neoregelia

Neoregelia bromeliads are tropical, epiphytic, evergreen herbaceous perennials in the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). They are native to South America. There are over 100 species and many hybrids and cultivars. The genus name was coined in honor of Edouard August von Regel, the director of St. Petersburg Botanic Gardens in Russia during much of the 19th Century. The neo- (new) prefix was added to distinguish it from Regelia, a genus in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) but now treated as a synonymy of Melaleuca.

They generally tolerate temperatures from 50 to 90 degrees F and need a sunny spot in the house for the best leaf color. Plant in a bark-based potting medium (the kind made for orchids) to provide a well-drained root environment. Keep the center vase or tank filled with water (rainwater is best) and allow the potting medium to dry completely between waterings.

Bromeliads are rosette plants from 2 inches tall to 3 feet tall and up to 3 feet wide. Their erect inflorescence can be 6 feet tall. These are tank-forming plants, meaning they form a “cup” or “vase” in the middle of the rosette which impounds water and catches for nutrition.  Their leaves are often spotted, banded, or marbled with spines along the margins. The central leaves in the rosette will often turn red when the plant is getting ready to bloom. The flowers are small and appear in the center tank with tubular blooms opening a few at a time. This plant is generally grown for its leaves rather than the flowers. Once the plant has finished blooming, it will form "pups" at the base of the plant which when big enough (about one-third of adult size) can be removed and potted. The mother plant will fade and die.

These plants make attractive houseplants, although some species are so large that they require a greenhouse or conservatory. The smallest species can be grown in terraria. In the summer, these plants can be placed outside on patios or in the shade of trees. Check the water tanks for snails and frogs before bringing the plants in when the weather gets cool. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are toothed .
• The inflorescence is at the water’s surface in the center of the rosette.
• Leaf bases often blush red at flowering time.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Overwatering can cause root rot or crown rot. Leaf spot may spread rapidly in humid conditions. Fading foliage color results from inadequate light. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.  The tanks of outdoor plants can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Regular applications of granular Bti-based larvicides are safe for plants, pets and wildlife. (Bti = Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis)