So I am the lucky recipient of a Neoregelia "Sunshine" pup in a trade. Please tell me what this brom likes. Right now, having just received it, I stuck it in some orchid mix, put distilled water in its cup, and placed it in filtered southern light.
tell me about Neoregelia "Sunshine"
Congratulations!
If you look on www.fcbs.org (Photo index) you will find that there are two entries for Neo. Sunshine. The two plants look different so you may be able to tell which one you have. Don't be surprised if your plant doesn't look quite like either one. The culture and intensity of light make a big difference in the color and conformation. In this case (at least two) plants from different hybridizers are known. Margaret Patterson is from Australia, Harvey Bullis is from Florida, so odds somewhat favor the Bullis plant.
Now - culture. Way up north as you are, Neoregelias will be very hard pressed to get enough light (especially in the Winter.) You cannot give this plant enough sun in NJ. except in mid Summer. So move it, if possible, to the most southern exposure you have with no shade, with the maximum possible number of sun hours. A 4-4.5" pot is probably good for starting the pup (Azalea pots are good for starting, less depth), and your orchid mix should work well. Distilled water or rainwater will be best in the cup since both have no dissolved minerals or other contaminents. Water whenever the mix is becoming dry. Neos will develop a strong root system and your plant can ultimately fill a 6" pot. Fertilize just like other house plants, backing off in Dec-Feb. Don't go overboard with nitrogen which tends to elongate the leaves. "We" like Neos with wide short leaves. Keep the humidity as high as you can stand and always try to have some air movement. Unfortunately, you have to be in Florida or somewhere with similar sun/humidity to see Neos at their best.
Enjoy,
Dave
Hi Dave, Thanks so much for the reply. Definitely the Bullis, it has the purple marks on it.
I can put it in a humidity tray and give it unfiltered southern light, and it will get some light from the grow-lamp (set on a plumeria I've been rooting). Air movement - does movement from the forced air system count? There's a vent right by the stand I built in the big picture window that faces south (lucky, lucky) where I put this brom (and a couple of others, not the Guzmania, its leaves scorched a bit when I put it there first).
It's in a 4" orchid pot, taller than the azalea pot but lots of holes. It fell over in the azalea pot. No food until March; then give it some 20-20-20?
Thanks again for your help. I'm finding broms to be addictive, I have Vriesea Christiane in bloom on my desk at work (and it is potted with Spanish moss too, which you told us is a tillandsia; really cute little plant).