Neoregelia Carolinae 'Bicolor'
Family
Bromeliaceae
Origin
Brazil
Description
Neoregelia is the largest of any bromeliad genus and most superbly colored of all, known for their showy and diverse foliage colors and patterns. The rossettes are usually spreading and flat although some are vase shaped. The flowers barely rise above the water in the central cup. Some neoregelia species and hybrids are green when they start out as pups and almost all rely on bright light to achieve brilliant colors.
Neoregelia carolinae Bicolour, commonly called blushing bromeliad, is an epiphetic evergreen perennial. Narrow, leathery, shiny, spine-tipped, lance-shaped leaves (to 12" long and 1.5" wide) appear in funnel-shaped rosettes. Outer leaves are green except for red blushing near the base of the inner leaves. Inflorescences are violet to lavender and appear in the socket center of the leaf rosette.
Environment
Most bromeliads grow best in medium or bright light. Some can take direct sun on their foliage, but others prefer the protection of a sheer curtain or translucent blinds if grown in a sunny window. They are low maintenance & have medium to light water requirements.
Grow 'Bicolor' in a sandy or gritty soil supplemented with sphagnum moss. It can also be mounted onto a tree branch or grown in a container filled with bark nuggets or coarse compost. Keep leaf bases filled with water, especially if plants are exposed to direct sun rays.
Landscape Uses
Suitable for Container, Rock Garden & Xeriscaping