Description
Neoregelia ‘Petra’ is a stunning variety prized for its warm coloration, classic rosette form, and exceptional durability. This medium-sized cultivar features broad foliage that develops beautiful salmon to light pink hues as it matures, typically reaching between 14 to 18 inches across. Notably, this plant is one of the most sun-hardy pink or salmon colored varieties available. It grows beautifully in bright, filtered light and can easily handle most morning sun and late afternoon sun conditions, making it an incredibly versatile, low-maintenance choice for bright patios or landscape beds.
**Plant will ship bare-root**
How to Keep Your Neoregelia ‘Petra’ Happy
Caring for these resilient plants is straightforward. Use these basic guidelines to maximize their unique salmon-pink tones and keep your plant growing strong:
Step 1: Balance their sun exposure. This variety is highly sun-tolerant and easily handles most morning and late afternoon direct sun conditions. While it can also be acclimated to tolerate full sun all day in most locations or states, here in Southwest Florida we have found it to typically get some burn during our most intense summer days if in all day direct sun.
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!
