Neoregelia aka Neoregelia 'Fireball'

Taxonomy

Neoregelia is a genus of epiphytic flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Bromelioideae, native to South American rainforests. The genus name is derived from Eduard August von Regel, Director of St. Petersburg Botanic Gardens in Russia (1875–1892). This bromeliad variety forms an open rosette composed of strap-shaped, dark pink leaves, reaching a size of up to 30cm across. Within the rosette cup, small, tubular purple flowers bloom in the summer. This unique and colorful plant adds bold texture to beds and borders, making it a stunning accent for warm climate gardens or container arrangements on home patios. Neoregelia is known for its ability to freely produce offsets on stolons, allowing the main clump to multiply. Thriving in tropical environments, this epiphyte can withstand periods of up to two weeks without supplemental watering, benefiting from high humidity.

Common names

Neoregelia 'Fireball', Neoregelia, Bromeliad Medusa, Bromeliad Neoregelia 'Donger', Bromeliad Paradise

How to care for Neoregelia 'Fireball'

Difficulty

Neoregelia 'Fireball' presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Neoregelia 'Fireball' does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Neoregelia 'Fireball', it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Neoregelia 'Fireball' thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Bromeliad Medusa.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Neoregelia 'Fireball' prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Neoregelia 'Fireball' is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Neoregelia 'Fireball'’s native range is South American Rainforests.


More info:
Wikipedia