Neoregelia ampullacea var. tigrina

Most bromeliads are easy to care for, and almost all (tropical) species can be cultivated as both terrarium plants and houseplants. Most bromeliads are epiphytes, meaning they are plants that grow on other plants, usually on the branches of large trees. Their roots serve only to anchor them to the substrate. With their leaves, they form a waterproof funnel where rainwater collects, known as a phytotelm. From this, they absorb their water and nutrients. As long as they always have (clean) water in their funnel, they do not need substrate or a pot.

There are also xerophytic (drought-adapted) species, which are usually characterized by a more compact growth and hard, often spiny leaves. These species are better suited for a dry terrarium or alongside cacti and other succulents on a windowsill, rather than in a tropical terrarium.

This bromeliad likes bright light. A spot on a south-facing or west-facing window in direct sun is ideal. In summer, it can also be grown outdoors very well. Here, it's best to provide slight shade.

When cultivated under grow lights, it requires strong illumination. At 5,000 to 20,000 lux or 100 to 500 PPFD (µmol/m²/s), it grows well and the leaves develop ideal coloration. UV exposure outdoors in summer or in a terrarium under a UV lamp leads to particularly good coloration.

It likes a humidity of 50% or more.

It likes warmth. Temperatures of 25 to 30°C lead to the best growth. Since it should always have some water in its funnel, it must not be kept too cool, as this can lead to crown rot. It should also receive at least 15°C at night.

This plant does not require a pot or substrate. It can be cultivated free-hanging or mounted. It can be attached to a cork branch, root, stone, or similar with plant glue or string.

Under humid conditions, it can also develop adventitious roots. To encourage this, you can also mount it with some sphagnum moss at the base, instead of completely without substrate.

It can also be cultivated in a pot, for which sphagnum moss or coconut chips are also suitable.

Bromeliads absorb water and nutrients through their funnel. This should always contain some water. Soft water is preferred, i.e., rainwater or RO water. If they are filled with tap water, they should be emptied and refilled regularly to prevent limescale buildup. The funnel can be filled until it overflows. This does not harm the plant and ensures it is well-watered.

Bromeliads can grow surprisingly fast, and with very little fertilizer. As houseplants, they can be fertilized with an orchid fertilizer approximately every 2 weeks during the growing season from about April to October. This corresponds to a fertilizer conductivity of about 500 µS/cm. The conductivity can be determined with a TDS meter. In the autumn and winter months, fertilization should be reduced, as the plants do not receive enough light to utilize the nutrients. A weak fertilization of approx. 250 µS/cm monthly is sufficient here.

When cared for under grow lights, they can be fertilized year-round with approx. 500 µS/cm every 2 weeks.