Neoregelia concentrica var. purple

Description

Neoregelia concentrica 'Purple', sometimes sold as Neoregelia concentrica var. Purple, is a striking tropical bromeliad valued for its broad structured rosette and deep coloration that can develop from green and bronze to wine-red and purple under strong light.

Larger than many compact horticultural Neoregelia, it makes an excellent structural plant for medium to large tropical terrariums, paludariums and epiphytic displays. Its dark foliage creates a particularly attractive contrast with mosses, ferns and bright green tropical plants.

Botanical family

Bromeliaceae

Genus

Neoregelia

Species / Form

Neoregelia concentrica 'Purple'

Botanical origin

Neoregelia concentrica is native to Brazil. Like many members of the genus Neoregelia, it is associated with humid tropical forest environments and is well adapted to epiphytic growth.

The name 'Purple' is used for a selected or commercially cultivated form valued for its particularly dark purple coloration. It should not automatically be treated as a formally described botanical variety without specific taxonomic documentation.

Foliage

The plant forms a broad regular rosette of relatively wide, leathery leaves. Foliage can range from deep green and bronze to wine-red and purple depending on light intensity, maturity and growing conditions.

Strong filtered light generally encourages more intense coloration and a more compact rosette.

Growth habit and development

Neoregelia concentrica has an intermediate to relatively large growth habit. Its rosette gradually broadens and requires more space than compact Neoregelia commonly used in nano terrariums.

Over time, it produces offsets around the mother plant and can develop into a spectacular group.

Terrarium compatibility

• Humid tropical terrarium: Yes, medium to large enclosures
• Bioactive terrarium: Yes
• Paludarium: Yes, emerged section
• Tropical vivarium: Yes
• Epiphytic cultivation: Yes, excellent
• Dart frog terrarium: Yes, when enclosure size is suitable
• Nano terrarium: No at maturity
• Tropical greenhouse: Yes

Epiphytic cultivation

Neoregelia concentrica 'Purple' can be mounted onto a substantial branch, root or cork panel. Its mature size and weight require a secure attachment.

A small amount of sphagnum moss can be placed around the roots during establishment while keeping the base well aerated.

Recommended substrate

When grown in a pot, use a highly aerated and free-draining mixture containing pine bark, coco chips, volcanic rock, perlite 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 without being permanently saturated.

Humidity

Humidity of approximately 65% to 90% is particularly suitable for this Neoregelia.

Good airflow remains essential, especially in heavily misted terrariums.

Temperature

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

Avoid prolonged cold temperatures and cold draughts.

Light

Neoregelia concentrica 'Purple' prefers bright to very bright filtered light.

Light intensity plays an important role in its appearance. Under insufficient light the plant may become greener, while stronger filtered light generally enhances the desired bronze, deep red and purple tones.

Growth

Moderate growth. The rosette gradually becomes larger and established plants can produce several offsets.

Flowering

As with other Neoregelia, flowering occurs directly inside the centre of the rosette. Small flowers emerge from the central water-holding cup.

After flowering, the main rosette gradually declines while offsets produced around its base continue the plant.

Propagation

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

Maintenance

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

Maintain sufficient airflow and avoid prolonged accumulation of organic debris inside the central cup.

Fertilisation

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

Avoid high concentrations and mineral salt accumulation inside the rosette.

Why choose Neoregelia concentrica 'Purple'?

Neoregelia concentrica 'Purple' stands out for its generous growth and especially its dark foliage, which can develop bronze, wine-red and purple tones under suitable lighting.

It makes an excellent focal or structural plant for larger tropical displays and creates a strong contrast with surrounding green vegetation.

JungleBox advice

For the strongest coloration, grow your Neoregelia concentrica 'Purple' under bright filtered lighting without harsh direct sun.

Allow sufficient width around the rosette from the beginning. Mounted slightly elevated on a substantial root, it can become a striking focal point in a tropical enclosure.

Additional information

• Name: Neoregelia concentrica 'Purple'
• Commercial name: Neoregelia concentrica var. Purple
• Family: Bromeliaceae
• Botanical origin: Brazil
• Type: Epiphytic bromeliad
• Foliage: Deep green, bronze to purple depending on light
• Growth habit: Broad structured rosette
• Mature development: Intermediate to large
• Exposure: Bright to very 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
• Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
• Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section
• Nano terrarium compatible: No at maturity
• Propagation: Offsets