1) Neoregelia foliage is outstanding.

Neoregelias are a genus of bromeliad that is known for its incredible foliage. Unlike other bromeliads, they do not have showy inflorescence that rise above the foliage stealing the show. Instead, Neoregelias have tiny white, purple or blue flowers that are sunken down in the center of the rosette formed by the leaves. They often grow from underneath the reserve of water found in this central cup.

Neoregelias have a wide range of colors and markings on their leaves. They come in shades of red, orange, purple, green, white and any combination of those colors. They often blush bright red or pink towards the center of the plant as they begin to flower. Neoregelias also have variegation that can be banded, striped or speckled. The leaves are usually broad and leathery. Some have spines around their margins while others are smooth. There are roughly 100 identified species and 5,000 registered cultivars of Neoregelia.

2) Neoregelias love humidity.

Neoregelias are native to South America. They natively grow on trees and shrubs usually under the cover of canopy and in very moist climates. The plants’ love of humidity also make them excellent terrariums candidates. They tolerate the high humidity and still air much better than many other bromeliads. Their primarily leathery foliage is not as delicate and sensitive as other bromeliads, such as Vriesea. To keep a Neoregelia moist you can mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby.

3) Neoregelias require bright light.

The attractive colors found onNeoregelia foliage need just the right amount of light to perform their best. Each species has different requirements, but the general rule is that if the plant turns a deep green it is not getting enough light. However, if the plant turns yellowish or begins to have a bleached appearance it is getting too much direct light. Bright indirect light such as an eastern facing window is usually just right for a Neoregelia.

4) Neoregelias are technically air plants.

Neoregelias are naturally epiphytic. In their native habitats they grow attached to a substrate such as a tree trunk. When grown indoors they can be attached to a substrate or they can be potted in a container. Neoregelia has the amazing ability to grow two types of roots. When potted in a container it will grow roots adapted to conveying water and nutrients from the potting medium to the rest of the plant. When mounted the plant will grow hard anchor roots that do not take up water or nutrients.

When mounted, a Neoregelia uses its central cup or tank to takes in water and nutrients. While a potted, Neoregelia will take up water through the roots. You should keep the central tank filled even if the plant is potted. Use rainwater to fill the central cup so that minerals that are found in tap water do not build up on the plant. Be sure to flush out your bromeliad’s tank regularly to remove any stagnate water and prevent bacteria or fungus growth.

When potting a Neoregelia, use a well draining, light potting mix. Bark or potting mixes formulated for bromeliads or orchids will work well. Make sure the plant container never sits in water and the potting medium doesn’t stay soaking wet all of the time. Plants these bromeliads in small containers. It is recommended that a 4 inch pot be used for small varieties and 5-6 inch pot for larger. Neoreglias are not as top heavy as other bromeliads, so they do not necessarily need to be staked down.

5) Neoregelias flower only once.

Neoregelias will only flower once in their lifetime. Similar to most other bromeliads, they flower for several months and then the plant will begin to die. Don’t despair if the mother plant begins to fade. After flowering, the plant will put its energy into growing new offshoots or pups. Pups can be removed and repotted or mounted individually when they are about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother plant.

6) Neoregelias don’t respond well to too much fertilizer.

Be warned that using too much fertilizer on a Neoregelia can result in the foliage turning green. When the most notable characteristic of a plant is its brilliant foliage, you don’t want to compromise that. It should be sufficient to simply add a little slow release fertilizer to the potting medium while planting the Neoregelia. However, the plant should do fine without any fertilizer. In addition to the loss of color, too much fertilizer can make the plant lanky in appearance and more prone to attacks from pests and disease.