This genus of more than 100 species is most easily recognized by the absence of a conspicuous flower spike. The flowers barely rise above the water in the central cup. The foliage compensates for the lack of showy flowers; the species and especially hybrids display an incredible diversity of leaf colors and patterns. Even those with plain green leaves usually turn brilliant pink, purple, or red at flowering time. In today's cultivars the leaves are frequently mottled, spotted, banded, or striped in glowing pastels even when young. Most varieties have broad, funnel-shaped rosettes which display the foliage colors superbly.
LIGHT. Give neoregelias very bright light. At least 3500 footcandles is recommended to produce good foliage color and compact rosettes; 5000 footcandles is better, and some develop best color in nearly full sun. Outdoors, 30% to 65% shade cloth is recommended for sunny climates. Variegated types are an exception; give them considerably more shade. TEMPERATURE. Though many are hardy to 20°F/-7°C or less, frost protection is recommended. High temperatures do not harm the plants, but foliage color fades when nights are hot. Normal color returns when night temperatures drop to near 65°F/18°C. WATERING. Follow basic culture. AIR. Follow basic culture. POTTING AND MOUNTING. Follow basic culture for potting. Most neoregelias are grown as single plants in order to display their symmetrical rosettes of colorful foliage. Some species do well as mounted specimens, especially the stoloniferous, colony-forming ones. Those species are also good for hanging baskets, where numerous generations of plants may cascade several feet. FEEDING. Proper application of fertilizer is crucial for producing good quality neoregelias. Heavy feeding causes colorful foliage to turn green. It also produces large, elongated rosettes that are less attractive than compact ones. Feed your plants only for the first several months after separation from the mother plant (during the summer and fall) to produce good size, then little or none from early winter through flowering the next spring. Fertilizing very lightly year round or not at all is also satisfactory; your plants will be smaller, but will have good form and color. The important rule is notto fertilize heavily as the plants near maturity. High potassium fertilizers seem to produce better conformation. PROPAGATION. Follow basic culture. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS. In order to grow show-quality neoregelias, maintain them under the same conditions throughout their pup-to-bloom cycle. Their beautiful, tight symmetry can be ruined by a substantial change in light intensity, light direction, temperature range, or feeding. If grown in a window or other location with light from the side, frequent rotation (at least a quarter turn per week) will keep the rosette upright.