Neoregalia ‘Olens Cruenta’ is a captivating bromeliad with distinctive features and vibrant colors. Here’s an overview of this plant:
Color:
Foliage: Neoregalia ‘Olens Cruenta’ has striking foliage with a rich blend of colors, typically featuring green leaves with contrasting shades of red, pink, or burgundy. The colors can become more intense with bright light.
Flowers: The inflorescence is often a vivid red or pink, emerging from the central rosette and adding to the plant’s visual appeal.
Climate:
Preferred Climate: This bromeliad thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, enjoying warmth and high humidity.
Temperature Tolerance: It does best in temperatures above 50°F (10°C) and should be protected from frost.
Size:
Mature Size: Neoregalia ‘Olens Cruenta’ typically grows to about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) in height and spread.
Care:
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, which enhances the leaf coloration.
Watering: Keep the central cup filled with water and water the soil sparingly, allowing it to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Humidity: High humidity is beneficial, making it suitable for humid environments or indoors with added humidity.
Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season, typically every 2-3 months.
Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones: Neoregalia ‘Olens Cruenta’ is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Landscaping:
Usage: This bromeliad is excellent for adding vibrant color and texture to tropical gardens, as a specimen plant in containers, or as part of a mixed bromeliad collection.
Companion Plants: It pairs well with other bromeliads, tropical foliage plants, and ferns that thrive in similar conditions.
Additional Information:
Propagation: Neoregalia ‘Olens Cruenta’ can be propagated through offsets or “pups” that form around the base of the mother plant. These can be separated and replanted when they reach about one-third the size of the parent plant.
Maintenance: It is a low-maintenance plant, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Pests/Diseases: Generally resistant to pests, but may occasionally attract scale insects or mealybugs. Proper care and good air circulation help prevent these issues.
Neoregalia ‘Olens Cruenta’ is a stunning bromeliad that adds vibrant color and texture to any garden or indoor space, with relatively easy care requirements.