Description
Neoregelia ‘Kahala Dawn’ is a popular and striking hybrid prized for its dynamic coloring and strong, symmetrical form. This medium-sized cultivar features glossy leaves with a unique combination of apple-green and deep red mottled patterning. At maturity, the compact rosette typically reaches a diameter of 14 to 18 inches. As it approaches blooming, the center tank floods with a brilliant red or deep pink, making it an excellent focal point for a decorative pot or tropical landscape layout. With its adaptable nature and tropical look, it is the perfect bromeliad for a Florida lanai! We recommend growing it in bright filtered light for the best colors without risking burn.
**Plant will ship bare-root**
How to Keep Your Neoregelia ‘Kahala Dawn’ Happy
Caring for these resilient, exotic beauties is incredibly straightforward! Use these essential guidelines to maximize their rich colors and keep your plant growing strong:
Step 1: Balance their sun exposure. Grow this variety in bright, filtered light or partial shade. While it tolerates a few hours of mild morning sun, keep it protected from intense, direct afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Higher light exposure causes the green tones to fade into a deeper burgundy hue.
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!
