Neoregelia concentrica

Neoregelia concentrica (16/01/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Indirect bright sun

Flowering period: All year round

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 60cm

Eventual Spread: 35cm

Hardiness: 10a, 10b, 11, 12, 13

Family: Bromeliaceae

Neoregelia concentrica is an evergreen tropical epiphytic perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are lanceolate with spines along its margins, up to 40cm long and 7cm across. Its white tubular flowers appear from its ‘tank’ at the centre of the plant, within a pink/ purple bract structure. Its roots produce stolons which aids its slow spread.

Neoregelia concentrica Leaf (16/01/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Neoregelia concentrica, commonly known as Neoregelia Bromeliad or Concentric Bromeliad, is native to Brazil. In its native habitat it grows as a tropical forest understory plant and on tree stems.

The etymological root of the binomial name Neoregelia is named for Eduard Albert von Regel (1815 – 1892), a Russian botanist. Concentrica is derived from the Latin concentricus meaning ‘concentric’.

The landscape architect may find Neoregelia concentrica useful as an attractive foliage houseplant suitable for growing in pots. It may also be used as an effective ground cover plant in atrium type planting schemes.

Ecologically, Neoregelia concentrica is of little value to UK wildlife.

Neoregelia concentrica Flower (16/01/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Neoregelia concentrica prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

When maintaining  Neoregelia concentrica as a houseplant its ‘tank’ should be watered regularly. Watering will need to be reduced during the winter months. It should be noted, this plant dislikes calcareous water. Its preferred active growing temperature rages from between 18ºc to 27ºc, although it will tolerate a temperature as low as 10ºc. This plant may be sprayed with water to improve humidity.



Landscape Architecture