Family: Bromeliaceae

There are over 70 species of these striking, mainly terrestrial bromeliads which occur naturally in forests of South America. Grown for their large rosettes of thick, shiny leaves, they are among the most popular of the bromeliads. The variable colouring of the leaves intensifies if the plant is given the right amount of light, taking on different colours at the time of flowering. A pincushion of tiny flowers appears in the heart of the plant, sometimes surrounded by bracts.

Species

N. ampullacea is a tiny plant with blue flowers and leaves banded in burgundy.

N. carolinae, the most commonly grown species, forms a compact rosette of roughly 25 cm (10 in) long leaves. The centre of the rosette colours crimson to cerise at flowering time, when deep violet flowers appear in the cup. Var. tricolor has cream- and green-striped foliage that takes on a pinky flush at flowering, when the centre of the rosette turns crimson.

N. concentrica has broad leaves, to 60 cm (24 in) long, patterned in purple or burgundy.

N. fosteriana, which has burgundy foliage, is often used in hybridizing.

N. marmorata has wide leaves, to about 30 cm (12 in) long, marbled in red on both sides. N. spectabilis, painted fingernail, has red-tipped, olive green leaves, banded in gray on the undersides.

Cultivation

Grow in pots in a warm, humid greenhouse or conservatory. The plants need a very free draining, soilless potting compost, such as coarse orchid compost. Special bromeliad compost may be available in some areas. If plants might topple over, place pebbles or gravel in the pots to keep them stable. Most species prefer dappled shade, though the rich colours may be diminished if there is too much shade. The central cup of the rosette should be kept filled with water. Collect rain water for use on bromeliads if your water supply is known to have a high chalk content. Propagate plants from offsets of pups which should be removed from the parent when about one-third the size of the parent.

Climate

At least zone 10.