Neoregelia carolinae - Blushing Bromeliad/Cartwheel Plant

 

📸 @mykr93 (Masykur (@mykr93) • Instagram photos and videos) 

Hi friends, let’s know about this colorful and special plant, Neoregelia carolinae.

Neoregelia carolinae (Family: Bromeliaceae) is also known as the “Blushing Bromeliad or Cartwheel Plant.” Its name from the way the leaves in the center of the plant turn bright red as the plant begins to flower. This is where the common name (blushing) is derived from.

Like other bromeliads, in its' natural rainforest habitat, it grows on trees (epiphyte, not parasitic) or among other species on the forest floor (land) collecting water within the center cup (vase). It does not have showy flowers like some members of the bromeliad family: instead, it has stunning foliage, with the center of its vase being brilliant colored at flowering time and for some months afterward.

Blushing bromeliads have narrow, leathery, shiny, spine-tipped, saw-edged, lance-shaped leaves that form a water-holding cup (vase) in the center of the plant where water and decaying debris are collected. The leaves absorb dissolved nutrients from the fluid that pools in the cup central leaf satisfying the nutritional needs of the plant, which is why this plant does not need watering as long as there is water in the cup/leaf axil.

As mentioned above the center of the plant will turn a very deep pinkish-red color before flowers bloom. The cluster of small non-showy flowers which are violet in color to lavender, eventually make their way out of the small bracts (appear in the socket center of the leaf rosette). The clustered flowers held low in the center of the vase look like a cute miniature water garden. Only a few are open at any given time, but there are many of them and they open over an extensive period of time. The leaf-vase bursts into glowing color, an effect obviously designed to attract fertilizing insects to the tiny flowers, which are almost invisible above the water collected and stored in the well/cup of the leaves.

Neoregelia carolinae like warm temperatures, above average humidity levels, and bright to almost full sunlight. These bromeliads appreciate some morning or late afternoon sun, but will not tolerate direct mid-day sun in hot summer climates. They stay more compact and develop more intense color when grown in bright light. These tough leather-leafed plants will take the most sun than other bromeliads.

Utilization plant: as a houseplant for warm and humid areas.

Synonymous name: Billbergia meyendorffii, Aregelia carolinae, Bromelia carolinae, Regelia meyendorffii, Karatas carolinae, Karatas meyendorffii, Karatas olens, and Nidularium meyendorffii.

Reference: plantsrescue & houseplantsexpert

●●●●●