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Crimson Cup Neoregelia

Phonetic Spelling
nee-oh-reg-EL-ee-uh
Description

Neoregelias are in the bromeliad family and there are about 100 species. They are compact plants from 2 inches tall to 1 foot tall and up to 2 feet wide. They typically form a “cup” in the middle which gathers water and debris for nutrition  Their leaves are often spotted, banded, or marbled with spines along the margins. The central leaves will often turn red when getting ready to bloom. 

They generally tolerate temperatures from 50 to 90 degrees and need a sunny spot in the house for the best leaf color. Plant in a soilless medium to provide a well-drained environment. Keep the center vase filled with freshwater- rainwater is best and allow the potting medium to dry completely between waterings.

The flowers are small and appear in the center vase with tubular blooms opening a few at a time. This plant is generally grown for its leaves more than the flowers. Once the plant has finished blooming, it will form "pups" at the base of the plant which when big enough can be removed and repotted. The mother plant will fade and die.

Pests and Problems: leaf spots, bacterial soft rot (especially if too wet), scale insects, mealybugs

Quick ID Hints:

  • Leaves are toothed 
  • The inflorescence is sessile at the center
  • Leaf bases often blush red at flowering time
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#white flowers#colorful leaves#interiorscape#winter interest#variegated#fantz#indoor#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#white flowers#colorful leaves#interiorscape#winter interest#variegated#fantz#indoor#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Neoregelia
    Family:
    Bromeliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    S. Tropical America
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 3 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
    Appendage:
    Spines
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Very Dry
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    White
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Description:
    The white or blue flowers are usually small and contained in the cup. Only a few are open at any given time, but there are many of them, and they open over an extended period.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are in a basal rosette, form a funnel-like central 'vase', are simple, strap-shaped, toothed and spinose. They can be green, silver, maroon, or red and banded, spotted, striped or marbled. The size varies depending on the species and can be from 1 inch to 10 inches long.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Dry Soil
    Humidity