Description
Neoregelia ‘Chester’ is a medium to large, striking tropical bromeliad cultivar hybridized by Chester Skotak that forms a dramatic rosette reaching up to 24 to 30 inches wide at maturity. This imposing specimen features wide, dark olive to chestnut-burgundy leaves accented by brilliant cream or pink marginated edges. It thrives in strong filtered or bright indirect light, which coaxes out a deep maroon blush toward the center of its inner rosette while protecting the foliage from harsh, all-day direct sun.
**Plant will ship bare-root**
Caring for this tropical beauty is incredibly easy! Just follow these simple steps to keep its colors bright and beautiful:
- Step 1: Find a bright, filtered spot. Place your plant in strong filtered or bright indirect light only, keeping it safely protected from direct sun to prevent the foliage from scorching. Providing these high levels of filtered light is the absolute secret to coaxing out that deep, dramatic maroon blush toward the center of the inner rosette and keeping its cream-and-pink marginated edges vibrant!
- Step 2: Water the central cup. Instead of watering the soil, pour clean water directly into the center “tank” or cup of the plant. Keep it filled, but 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 lose its vibrant color and become leggy and stretched-out looking. In fact, some growers prefer not to fertilize at all to get the very best color from the plant!
