Description
Neoregelia ‘Purple Waves’ is an absolute tropical showstopper that brings a massive splash of high-energy color to your collection. This gorgeous beauty forms a commanding, open rosette that stretches an impressive 22 to 26 inches across. Its broad leaves feature an electrifying fusion of vivid hot pink, magenta, and deep purple, all beautifully accented by olive-green margins and heavily speckled variegation. Thriving in bright, filtered light with a dramatic, deep-set center cup, this low-maintenance collector’s piece is a must-have to make a bold statement on your patio or tropical garden!
**Plant will ship bare-root**
How to Keep Your Neoregelia ‘Purple Waves’ Happy
Caring for these tough tropical beauties is incredibly easy! Just follow these simple steps to keep them thriving and beautifully colored:
- Step 1: Balance their sun exposure. To bring out those electric hot pink and deep purple tones, this variety needs bright, filtered or indirect light. While it loves brightness, we don’t recommend keeping it in harsh, all-day direct sunlight, which can scorch its stunning variegation. It does best with a mix of sun and shade—like gentle morning sun and afternoon shade, or bright dappled light under a tree canopy or patio throughout the day. If transitioning your plant from a shady spot into a brighter area, do it gradually so it can safely build up its brilliant colors 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!
