Neoregelia

Previously, the genus Neoregelia was classified under other Latin names: Aregelia or Nidularum. Neoregelia are epiphytes (living on other plants) and rock species (living on rocks and walls, mainly in crevices). The plant forms a rosette of stiff, flat leaves. In the center of the rosette are smaller, shorter, brightly colored leaves that cover the head-shaped flat inflorescence and, in addition, form a kind of bowl, in which water and various organic residues accumulate in natural conditions, which leads to a decrease in the number of leaves. allows plants to live without a full root system. The flowers are usually blue, white or purple in color, collected in a short spike. Neoregelia carotinae (Neoregelia carotinae), one of the most common species, reaches 30 cm in height, the rosette diameter is more than 40 cm. Green glossy pointed leaves - with prickly edges and fiery red central leaves, and flowers-purple-blue. The Tricolor variety is very interesting: it has ivory stripes on its leaves, and the central inner leaves are pinkish-red in color. Neoregelia Marechal (N. marechalii) is often attributed to the species just described - a really very similar plant. However, the lower leaves are red, the flowers are purple, and the "bowl" is red - pink. Neoregelia remarkable (n. spectabilis) has olive-green leaves with red-purple tips; the reverse side of them is covered with transverse gray stripes. Blue flowers peek out from the central purple leaves.

Previously, the genus Neoregelia was classified under other Latin names: Aregelia or Nidularum. Neoregelia are epiphytes (living on other plants) and rock species (living on rocks and walls, mainly in crevices). The plant forms a rosette of stiff, flat leaves. In the center of the rosette are smaller, shorter, brightly colored leaves that cover the head-shaped flat inflorescence and, in addition, form a kind of bowl, in which water and various organic residues accumulate in natural conditions, which leads to a decrease in the number of leaves. allows plants to live without a full root system. The flowers are usually blue, white or purple in color, collected in a short spike.

Neoregelia carotinae (Neoregelia carotinae), one of the most common species, reaches 30 cm in height, the rosette diameter is more than 40 cm. Green glossy pointed leaves - with prickly edges and fiery red central leaves, and flowers-purple-blue. The Tricolor variety is very interesting: it has ivory stripes on its leaves, and the central inner leaves are pinkish-red in color.

Neoregelia Marechal (N. marechalii) is often attributed to the species just described - a really very similar plant. However, the lower leaves are red, the flowers are purple, and the "bowl" is red - pink.

Neoregelia remarkable (n. spectabilis) has olive-green leaves with red-purple tips; the reverse side of them is covered with transverse gray stripes. Blue flowers peek out from the central purple leaves.

Cultivation

Neoregelia are grown in pots as houseplants. They require moderate humidity and a soil of fertile turf and rotted foliage with the addition of small pebbles to improve drainage. In addition, charcoal, pine needles or osmund fibers are often added. With water for irrigation, a complete mineral fertilizer is periodically applied (10 g per bucket of water).

Location

Neoregelia like a fairly bright place, but in summer the plants should be protected from direct sunlight.

Temperature

In winter, keep the air temperature at least 16 °C.

Watering

During the active growth and development of the plant, which occurs in spring and summer, watering should be quite frequent, the substrate should be moist and there should always be water in the outlet. They are rarely watered in autumn and winter.

Transplant

Transplanted in spring or summer once every 1-2 years.

Reproduction

In culture, only after artificial pollination can seeds be obtained; they are peeled from the pulp and sown. It is better to use offspring-side rosettes, which appear in small numbers during the flowering period. They are separated during transplantation and planted in pots.

Diseases

Neoregelia is susceptible to fusarium damage, which leads to the destruction of the lower part of the plant and causes its death. The disease is associated with excess humidity. In order to exclude this possibility, it is necessary to ensure good drainage when preparing the soil.

Acquisition

It is recommended to buy already well-developed plants. They are easily found in specialized nurseries, flower shops and gardening centers.