Description
Neoregelia ‘Mendoza’ (P.) is an exceptionally elegant, patented hybrid carefully developed by the expert breeders at Bullis Bromeliads. Celebrated for its crisp variegation and dramatic blooming cycle, this medium-sized cultivar features broad, glossy, dark green leaves that gracefully arch outward to form a clean rosette typically measuring between 18 to 22 inches across. Each leaf is striking, anchored by a prominent, creamy white stripe running right down the center. When it is ready to bloom, the plant puts on a spectacular show as its central cup blushes an intensely bright fuchsia-pink, creating a vivid contrast against the dark foliage.
(United States Plant Patent USPP22,584P2; Asexual Propagation is Strictly Prohibited)
**Plant will ship bare-root**
How to Keep Your Neoregelia ‘Mendoza’ (P.) Happy
Unlike sun-hardier varieties, this elegantly striped beauty prefers a gentler touch when it comes to lighting. Use these specific guidelines to protect its variegated leaves from scorching while still encouraging that brilliant fuchsia bloom:
Step 1: Balance their sun exposure. Grow this variety in indirect light or a heavily filtered area. Because it is quite sun-sensitive, it should be kept away from harsh, direct sunlight to avoid burning the creamy white variegation. It is the perfect choice for deep shade sections of your landscape, covered patios, or soft indoor lighting layouts.
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!
