There are around one hundred species of this genus but due to the ease with which it can be cross bred; there are thousands of registered cultivars. It is not uncommon for a collector to have hundreds of named varieties of Neos’ in their garden.

They can range is size considerably and may be broad and squat or upright and majestic. They are well known for their brilliant leaf colour which develops prior flowering. The leaf margins may also lined with fine hooked teeth which can irritate if caught in your skin.

While Neos’ will grow well in full shade, they will not give the best colour display unless provided with a reasonable amount of light. Protection from the hottest midday and afternoon sun will prevent burning of the leaves. Palms or open canopied trees afford the best conditions.

Neoregelia are a semi epiphytic herb. In their natural environment they would set their roots into leaf litter on the forest floor. While the roots will draw up some water and nutrient, one of their main actions is to stabilise the plant. The bowl like structure of the leaves acts as reservoir for water and decaying leaf litter from the canopy overhead. Ideally this reservoir should not be allowed to dry out.

New plants growing from the side of a parent plant are known as pups. When a pup has reached a good size it can be cut off carefully with a sharp knife and potted up to provide a new plant. The ideal media for these plants should be light and well drained, not dissimilar to an orchid mix. Bark, Perlite, leaf litter and well drained potting mix can be blended. I have several growing in hollowed out tree section on a bed of course council mulch. They are growing happily.

Feed newly potted plants with a slow release fertiliser or a small quantity of an organic fertiliser. Once established in the garden, Neos’ do not need additional fertiliser. If grown indoors, fertiliser will need to be added to each pup as it develops. Be careful not to use too much especially with fertilisers high in nitrogen, as this will lead to lanky plants with little colour and smaller flowers.

Neoregelia are a great filler or ground cover for partly shaded areas of your garden. They are low maintenance and add a splash of colour. Just be careful not to let the collectors bug bite. It could be the start of a never ending story.