Description
Neoregelia ‘Hannibal Lecter’ is a stiff-leaved and tightly banded olive green and dark maroon foliage bromeliad. This is one tough bromeliad that tends to get darker and darker in more sun. Covered in spines, this Chester Skotak hybrid typically grows up to around 16 to 20 inches across. A slow grower that does great in bright filtered light, but is capable of being acclimated to full sun conditions.
**Plant will ship bare-root**
How to Keep Your Neoregelia ‘Hannibal Lecter’ Happy
Caring for these resilient, exotic beauties is incredibly straightforward! Use these essential guidelines to maximize their rich, cinematic patterns and keep your plant growing strong:
Step 1: Balance their sun exposure. While this hardy variety does great in bright filtered light, it is fully capable of being acclimated to full sun conditions. Its iconic dark maroon bands and deep spots require high light levels to reach their darkest, most dramatic potential. If transitioning it from a shady spot into a sunnier area or full afternoon sun, do it gradually so it can safely build up its intense dark hues 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. 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!
