Neoregelia 'Toshiya'

Most bromeliads are easy to care for, and almost all (tropical) species can be kept 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 are only used to attach themselves to the substrate. With their leaves, they form a watertight funnel, a so-called phytotelma, in which rainwater collects. From this, they absorb their water and nutrients. As long as they always have (clean) water in their funnel, they therefore 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 kept with cacti and other succulents on the windowsill than in a tropical terrarium.

This bromeliad likes bright light. A spot on a south or west-facing window in direct sun is ideal. In summer, it can also be grown outdoors very well, preferably in partial 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 its leaves develop ideal coloration. UV radiation outdoors in summer or in a terrarium, even under a UV lamp, leads to particularly good coloration.

It prefers 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 cup, it should 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 will also form aerial roots. To encourage 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 this, sphagnum moss or coco chips are suitable.

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

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

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