Neoregelia kautskyi

Most bromeliads are easy to care for, and almost all (tropical) species can be cultivated both as terrarium plants and as houseplants. Most bromeliads are epiphytes, meaning they are air 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 in which rainwater collects, a so-called phytotelmata. From this, they absorb their water and nutrients. As long as they always have (clean) water in their funnel, they do not need any substrate or a pot.

There are also xerophytic (drought-adapted) species, which are usually characterized by more compact growth and hard, often spiny leaves. These species are better suited for dry terrariums or alongside cacti and other succulents on the windowsill 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 kept outdoors very well. Here, it is best to place it in light shade.

When cared for 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 color ideally. UV radiation outdoors in summer or in a terrarium, even 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 should not be kept too cool, as this can lead to heart 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 will also form aerial roots. To promote this, you can mount it with some sphagnum moss at the base, instead of entirely 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, preferably soft water such as rain or RO water. If filled with tap water, they should be regularly emptied and refilled to prevent lime scale build-up. The funnel can be filled until it overflows; this will not harm the plant and ensures it is well-watered.

Bromeliads can grow surprisingly fast with very little fertilizer. As a houseplant, they can be fertilized every 2 weeks during the growing season from approximately April to October with an orchid fertilizer. This corresponds to approximately 500 µS/cm conductivity of fertilizer. The conductivity can be determined with a TDS meter. During 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 approximately 250 µS/cm monthly is sufficient here.

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