Neoregelia spectabilis aka Fingernail Plant

Neoregelia spectabilis is an evergreen bromeliad known as the fingernail plant. It belongs to the family Bromeliaceae and comes from Brazil. Its native range runs from Espírito Santo to Rio de Janeiro. It grows in a wet tropical climate. Kew records it as an epiphyte, growing on other plants. In gardens, it can also grow in a suitable compost.

The plant forms a tufted rosette rather than a branching framework. Its leathery leaves have a long, strap-like shape. Each dull green leaf ends in a red tip. The leaves at the heart of the rosette are red too. Individual leaves can reach about 1.5 feet [0.45 metres] long. The RHS gives a cultivated height of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. It gives the same range for the plant's spread. Plants take five to ten years to reach their full size. Blue flowers appear in the middle of the rosette. Green bracts with purple bands surround them. Both the leaves and flowers bring colour to a container display.

Under glass, give this plant bright light filtered from direct sun. Use compost made for epiphytic or ground-growing bromeliads. The RHS also lists neutral loam as a suitable soil. Keep the root medium moist, but let excess water drain. During active growth, water freely with soft water. In winter, reduce watering so the compost stays just moist. Feed monthly during growth with a liquid fertiliser low in nitrogen.

Outdoors, choose partial shade and a sheltered spot. Use gritty soil that contains leaf matter, or grow it in a tree. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H1B. This means summer outdoor growing, with minimum temperatures of 50–59°F [10–15°C]. It suits pots on patios and growing under glass. Its evergreen leaves retain their colour interest beyond the flowering display.

Scale insects can attack this plant, though the RHS reports few disease problems. Cut away spent rosettes at their bases. Separate offsets in spring or summer to make more plants. Seed offers another route; sow fresh seed at 81°F [27°C]. The ASPCA lists this species as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. That safety listing does not establish it as an edible plant.