Neoregelia fauna

Description

Neoregelia 'Fauna' is a horticultural collector bromeliad particularly well suited to humid tropical terrariums, paludariums and epiphytic displays. It forms a structured rosette whose coloration can become more intense under strong filtered light and suitable growing conditions.

Its compact to intermediate growth habit, graphic appearance and suitability for mounting on roots, branches or cork panels make it an excellent choice for naturalistic tropical displays.

Botanical family

Bromeliaceae

Genus

Neoregelia

Cultivar / Hybrid

Neoregelia 'Fauna'

Horticultural status

Neoregelia 'Fauna' is cultivated as a horticultural Neoregelia form. As its exact parentage is not sufficiently documented in reliable botanical sources, it is preferable to describe it as a horticultural cultivar or hybrid without assigning an unverified cross.

Foliage

The plant forms a regular rosette of relatively firm leaves arranged around a central water-holding cup.

Foliage colour and intensity can vary according to light levels, plant age, temperature and growing conditions. Strong filtered light generally encourages a more compact rosette and stronger coloration.

Growth habit and development

Neoregelia 'Fauna' has a compact to intermediate growth habit particularly suitable for medium-sized tropical terrariums.

Over time, it produces offsets around the base. These can be left attached to form a dense group or separated to produce new plants.

Terrarium compatibility

• Humid tropical terrarium: Yes, excellent
• Bioactive terrarium: Yes
• Paludarium: Yes, emerged section
• Tropical vivarium: Yes
• Dart frog terrarium: Yes
• Epiphytic cultivation: Yes, excellent
• Nano terrarium: Depending on specimen size
• Tropical greenhouse: Yes

Bioactive terrarium interest

Like other tank-forming Neoregelia, the rosette can hold a small quantity of water in its centre. Tank bromeliads naturally create small aquatic microhabitats capable of supporting diverse organisms. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"}

In tropical terrariums, their rosette structure also provides useful resting, shelter and climbing areas for suitably sized animals.

Epiphytic cultivation

Neoregelia 'Fauna' can be mounted directly onto a branch, natural root or cork panel.

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

Recommended substrate

When grown in a pot, use a highly aerated and free-draining mix 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 zone should remain lightly moist while maintaining excellent aeration.

Humidity

Humidity of approximately 65% to 90% is suitable for this Neoregelia in tropical terrariums.

Good ventilation 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

Neoregelia 'Fauna' prefers bright filtered light.

Good light intensity generally maintains a more compact rosette and enhances foliage coloration. Insufficient light may result in looser growth and greener tones.

Growth

Moderate growth. Once established, the plant gradually produces offsets and can form an attractive group.

Flowering

As with other Neoregelia, flowering occurs directly inside the central rosette. Small flowers develop within the water-holding cup.

After flowering, the main rosette gradually declines while offsets continue the plant.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly carried out by separating offsets once they have reached a suitable size.

Maintenance

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

Maintain good airflow around the plant to prevent permanently stagnant moisture.

Fertilisation

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

Avoid high concentrations and mineral salt accumulation inside the central cup.

Why choose Neoregelia 'Fauna'?

Neoregelia 'Fauna' is particularly suitable for tropical terrariums thanks to its structured rosette, relatively controlled growth and excellent suitability for epiphytic cultivation.

It is an excellent structural plant for decorating roots and vertical backgrounds while maintaining a natural tropical appearance.

JungleBox advice

Mount your Neoregelia 'Fauna' slightly above ground level on a root or cork panel. This highlights the rosette while improving airflow around the roots.

Strong but filtered light will encourage a more compact plant and more expressive foliage coloration.

Additional information

• Name: Neoregelia 'Fauna'
• Family: Bromeliaceae
• Type: Horticultural cultivar / hybrid
• Growth habit: Compact to intermediate rosette
• Exposure: Bright filtered light
• Watering: Soft water in the rosette
• Humidity: 65 to 90%
• Temperature: 20 to 28°C
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Epiphytic cultivation: Yes, excellent
• Humid tropical terrarium compatible: Yes, excellent
• Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
• Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section
• Suitable for dart frog terrariums: Yes
• Propagation: Offsets