Description
Neoregelia ‘Malbec’ is a premium, patented hybrid developed by the experts at Bullis Bromeliads. Evoking the rich, deep drama of a fine wine, this medium-sized cultivar features broad, glossy, dark burgundy and purplish-red foliage. At maturity, the compact and upright rosette typically grows between 14 to 16 inches across. Because it handles lower light beautifully without losing its deep wine coloration, this exceptional variety is highly sought after as a standout indoor houseplant or a rich accent tucked beneath a shaded garden canopy.
(United States Plant Patent USPP22,586P2; Asexual Propagation is Strictly Prohibited)
**Plant will ship bare-root**
How to Keep Your Neoregelia ‘Malbec’ 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. This variety thrives best in heavily filtered light or an area with bright, indirect light. While it maintains its deep purplish-red hues much better in low-light environments than other varieties, you should keep it protected from direct, unfiltered sunlight to preserve the glossy finish of its leaves and prevent burn.
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!
