Neoregelia carolinae var.tricolor amarilla

Description

Neoregelia carolinae 'Tricolor Amarilla', often sold as Neoregelia carolinae var. tricolor Amarilla, is a particularly bright variegated horticultural bromeliad. Its long green leaves are marked with cream to pale yellow longitudinal areas and may also develop pink to red tones under strong filtered light.

Its highly graphic tricolour foliage and broad rosette make it an excellent structural plant for medium to large tropical terrariums, paludariums, tropical greenhouses and epiphytic displays.

Botanical family

Bromeliaceae

Genus

Neoregelia

Reference species

Neoregelia carolinae

Horticultural / Commercial name

Neoregelia carolinae 'Tricolor Amarilla'

Former name

Neoregelia carolinae var. tricolor

Botanical status

Neoregelia carolinae var. tricolor is no longer recognised as a separate botanical variety and is currently included within Neoregelia carolinae. In horticulture, variegated forms are still widely cultivated under 'Tricolor' names.

The name 'Amarilla' is used here as a commercial designation for a particularly yellow or cream-coloured form, without assigning it an undocumented formal botanical status.

Origin

Neoregelia carolinae is native to southeastern Brazil, particularly Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. It naturally grows as an epiphyte in wet tropical environments.

Foliage

This form is especially valued for its bright variegated foliage. The leaves may display longitudinal green, cream and pale yellow stripes, sometimes accompanied by pink tones.

During flowering or under sufficiently strong light, the central leaves may develop intense red to pink coloration, creating a striking contrast with the yellow variegation.

Growth habit and development

Neoregelia carolinae 'Tricolor Amarilla' forms a broad, open and relatively flat rosette.

Mature Neoregelia carolinae can reach several tens of centimetres across, so adequate space should be provided from the beginning.

Terrarium compatibility

• Humid tropical terrarium: Yes, medium to large enclosures
• Bioactive terrarium: Yes
• Paludarium: Yes, emerged section
• Tropical vivarium: Yes
• Dart frog terrarium: Yes, when enclosure size is suitable
• Epiphytic cultivation: Yes, excellent
• Nano terrarium: Not recommended at maturity
• Tropical greenhouse: Yes

Epiphytic cultivation

The plant can be mounted onto a substantial branch, natural root or cork panel.

A small amount of sphagnum moss around the roots can help establishment while maintaining excellent airflow around the base.

Recommended substrate

When grown in a pot, use a highly aerated and free-draining mixture containing fine bark, coco chips, perlite, volcanic rock and sphagnum moss.

Avoid heavy or permanently waterlogged substrates.

Watering

Keep a small amount of soft or low-mineral water inside the central rosette and refresh it regularly.

The root system should remain lightly moist while maintaining excellent aeration.

Humidity

Humidity of approximately 65% to 90% is suitable in tropical terrarium conditions.

Good airflow remains essential, especially in heavily misted enclosures.

Temperature

Ideal growing temperature: approximately 20°C to 28°C.

Avoid prolonged cold conditions and cold draughts.

Light

This variegated form prefers bright to very bright filtered light.

Good light helps maintain clear variegation and encourages pink to red coloration. Because the yellow and cream areas are more sensitive, avoid sudden exposure to intense direct sunlight.

Growth

Moderate growth. Variegated forms may grow slightly more slowly than fully green plants.

Flowering

As with other Neoregelia, flowering occurs directly in the centre of the rosette. Small violet to lavender flowers emerge from the central cup.

Flowering is generally accompanied by stronger red coloration in the centre of the plant.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly carried out by separating offsets, which helps preserve the characteristic variegation.

Maintenance

Refresh the water held inside the rosette regularly and remove old or damaged leaves when necessary.

Maintain good airflow to prevent permanently stagnant moisture.

Fertilisation

Use a very weakly dosed bromeliad fertiliser occasionally during active growth.

Avoid high fertiliser concentrations, as variegated plants can be more sensitive to excess feeding.

Why choose Neoregelia carolinae 'Tricolor Amarilla'?

This Neoregelia is particularly attractive for its bright foliage combining green, cream, pale yellow and sometimes pink or red tones.

It makes an excellent contrast plant in tropical displays and helps brighten areas dominated by mosses, ferns and dark green foliage.

JungleBox advice

Grow your Neoregelia carolinae 'Tricolor Amarilla' in a bright position protected from intense direct sunlight.

In a terrarium, mounting it slightly elevated on a substantial root highlights its broad rosette while improving airflow around the roots.

Additional information

• Commercial name: Neoregelia carolinae 'Tricolor Amarilla'
• Former name: Neoregelia carolinae var. tricolor
• Reference species: Neoregelia carolinae
• Family: Bromeliaceae
• Botanical origin: Southeastern Brazil
• Type: Variegated epiphytic bromeliad
• Foliage: Green, cream to pale yellow, pink to red tones
• Growth habit: Broad open rosette
• Flowering: Violet to lavender flowers in the centre
• Exposure: Bright to very bright filtered light
• Humidity: 65 to 90%
• Temperature: 20 to 28°C
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Epiphytic cultivation: Yes, excellent
• Humid tropical terrarium compatible: Yes
• Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
• Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section
• Nano terrarium compatible: Not recommended at maturity
• Propagation: Offsets