Description
Neoregelia ‘Ardie’ is a medium-to-large bromeliad that forms a wide rosette typically reaching 16 to 20 inches in diameter. It features broad, creamy white to light green variegated leaves accented by narrow green margins. Upon reaching maturity or entering its blooming phase, the plant’s core dramatically transforms as the center of the rosette flushes with a vibrant, deep red or watermelon pink color. This is a beautiful white and green variegated bromeliad with a deep red center at maturity. The pattern is a naturally occurring mutation from the bromeliad Neo. Martin. A great plant for contrast or brightening up any landscape or lanai. It will take some early morning and late afternoon full sun, but does best in bright filtered light.
**Plant will ship bare-root**
How to Keep Your Neoregelia ‘Ardie’ Happy
Caring for these tough tropical beauties is incredibly easy! Just follow these simple steps to keep them thriving and beautifully colored:
- Step 1: Balance their sun exposure. While these hardy varieties can handle some direct full sun, we don’t recommend keeping them in harsh, all-day direct sunlight. They do best with a mix of sun and shade—like morning sun and afternoon shade, or bright dappled light throughout the day. If transitioning them from a shady spot into a sunnier area, do it gradually so they can safely build up their brilliant colors without getting sunburned!
- Step 2: Water the central cup. Instead of watering the soil, pour clean water directly into the center “tank” or cup of the plant. Because sun exposure evaporates water a bit faster, check the cup regularly to ensure it stays filled, and flush it out every couple of weeks with fresh water to keep it clean.
- Step 3: Keep the soil lightly damp. Give the soil a tiny splash of water just to keep it from drying out completely. Make sure your pots have excellent drainage so the roots never sit in soggy mud. If you are planting them directly in the ground, be sure to choose an area with great drainage where the soil won’t stay wet.
- Step 4: Keep it warm. This tropical plant loves warmth. If you are growing it outdoors, to be safe just remember to bring it inside if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C) or protect it from the cold or frost as much as possible.
- Step 5: Fertilize sparingly (or not at all). We recommend using a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer just once or twice a year. Be careful, though—too much fertilizer or nitrogen will cause the plant to get leggy and stretched-out looking. In fact, some growers prefer not to fertilize at all to get the very best color from the plant!
