Care of the indoor plant Neoregelia spectabilis or Fingernail plant |
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The genus Neoregelia, family Bromeliaceae, includes more than 100 species of perennial epiphytic plants native to South America. Some species are: Neoregelia spectabilis, Neoregelia carolinae, Neoregelia concentrica, Neoregelia farinosa. Common names: Fingernail plant, Blushing Bromeliad, Crimson Cup, Marbled Fingernail. This plant is native to South America. Neoregelia spectabilis is an elegant, slow-growing bromeliad with ribbon-shaped leaves arranged in a rosette that reaches 40 cm (15.74") in height and 80 cm (31.49") in diameter. The outer leaves are glossy green with a pink or red tip. The inner leaves can be red. It produces small blue flowers in the center of the rosette. It takes 3-4 years to flower and blooms only once in its lifetime. Fingernail plant is used as a houseplant next to a window without direct sunlight and, in tropical climates, in flowerbeds, light undergrowth, and borders. Neoregelia spectabilis requires semi-shade exposure, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day; a north or east orientation is recommended. The safe winter temperature is 15 °C (59 ºF). The soil can be a commercial orchid substrate or a commercial bromeliad substrate. Water the center of the rosette regularly with lime-free water, waiting for the substrate to dry. Marbled Fingernail requires high humidity, so it is recommended to regularly spray the plant with lime-free water or place a saucer of damp pebbles under the pot. Blushing Bromeliad does not require fertilization or pruning. Neoregelia spectabilis can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs if ventilation is inadequate and the humidity is very low. It is also sensitive to cold and excess moisture in the roots. Fingernail plant is easily propagated by separating the offspring produced by the mother plant. |
Images of the indoor plant Neoregelia spectabilis or Fingernail plant |
 Neoregelia spectabilis  Neoregelia spectabilis |