Description
The Neoregelia ‘Dr. Jeffrey Block’ is a striking, low-maintenance collector’s bromeliad that forms a massive, somewhat upright, symmetrical rosette typically growing around 22 to 26 inches wide. Its glossy green leaves feature broad, boldly variegated creamy-white edges. At maturity, the leaf tips flush bright pink, and the entire center of the rosette develops a vibrant, deep fuchsia core just before blooming, serving as a premier, show-stopping focal point. Typically listed as a full sun plant, we have found it to thrive in direct morning sun with some filtered light in the afternoon. However to be safe we recommend growing in bright filtered light to avoid any burn. In less harsh sun environments than our location in Southwest Florida you very well may be able to grow this plant in full sun all day.
**Plant will ship bare-root**
How to Keep Your Neoregelia ‘Dr. Jeffrey Block’ 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. Neoregelia ‘Dr. Jeffrey Block’ thrives in abundant bright, filtered light, which is key to coaxing out its bright pink leaf tips and intense fuchsia core. While it is hardy enough for partial to full sun landscapes, avoid sudden shifts into harsh, direct afternoon sunlight. Transition the plant into sunnier environments gradually over a few weeks to safely prevent sunburn!
- 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. Occasionally give the soil some 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!
