Neoregelia carolinae

A compact evergreen plant consisting of a circular cluster (rosette) around 0.5m in height and 0.5m in width.

This plant produces a rosette of narrow strap like sword shaped green and yellow striped leaves with saw-toothed edges. During the flowering period which can occur at any time of year there are striking changes of colour in the leaves. The inner leaves of the rosette take on a reddish hue. The remarkable colour remains attractive for several months. When a plant comes into bloom it usually assumes a flatter shape and the colors intensify.

Best in light shade and well-drained soil. Shelter from strong winds. Tolerates mild frost.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows plants to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Young plants require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and raising beds. To improve soil conditions mix in copious quantities of orchid potting mix coarse and fine bark and untreated sawdust.

Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square meter as new growth begins. All bromeliads require good drainage loose porous soil and good air movement.

Mulching annually helps suppress weeds and conserve moisture organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose but keep mulching material away from the stem.

Water both the leaves and a little round the soil base. Freshen the water in the central tank area to prevent stagnation of the water. Well established plants growing in good light can be fertilised monthly with a highly diluted general purpose fertiliser during warm weather but for the most part use very little if any fertilizer to keep good leaf color. Bromeliads derive most of the nutrients they require from foliage that falls into the central rosette. The water in the rosette decomposes the foliage so nutrients are released to the plant.

Provides habitat for frogs and invertebrates.

Scale thrips and mealybugs may be a problem if grown indoors. Mosquito larvae will inhabit the water in the central tank if the water is stagnant. Susceptible to rot if not planted in optimum conditions.

Palm Garden

In their natural habitat in Southern Brazil, Neoregelia carolinae are naturally epiphytic and grow high up in trees or on other plants on the forest floor.