Neoregelia carolinae or Blushing Bromeliad

Care of the indoor plant Neoregelia carolinae or Blushing Bromeliad

The genus Neoregelia, family Bromeliaceae, includes more than 100 species of perennial epiphytic plants native to South America. Some species are: Neoregelia carolinae, Neoregelia concentrica, Neoregelia spectabilis, Neoregelia farinosa. There are numerous cultivars of Neoregelia carolinae.

Common name: Blushing Bromeliad. This species is native to Brazil.

They are attractive bromeliads that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height and 60 cm (23.6") in diameter. The coriaceous ribbon-shaped leaves with the serrated edge are presented in a rosette; They are glossy green or variegated, depending on the variety. The inner leaves turn red, purple or pink before flowering. The tubular flowers are small but surrounded by attractive red bracts. They bloom every 2-3 years in summer. After flowering the mother plant dies but produces suckers.

They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. They are ideal as centerpieces and for heated rooms.

The Neoregelia carolinae needs an illuminated exhibition without receiving direct sun. In winter they need a rest at 15 ºC (59 ºF); they do not resist less than 10 ºC (50 ºF). In spring and summer they prefer an average temperature of 25 ºC (77 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture, in the same proportions, of peat, heather soil, garden soil and coarse sand. It can also be a mixture of 2 parts of peat and 1 of coarse sand. Transplant in spring to renew the substrate.

Water moderately with lime-free water, waiting for the substrate to dry; the center of the rosette must always have water. The humidity must be high: spray the leaves with lime-free water daily in spring and summer and weekly in winter.

Fertilize biweekly in spring and summer with low calcium mineral fertilizer.

They do not need pruning.

They can be attacked by mealybugs if the humidity is low; they are sensitive to direct sun and cold.

They are easily propagated by separation of the lateral suckers when they are at least 10 cm (3.93") in length.