Neoregelia camorineana var.black

Description

Neoregelia camorimiana 'Black', sometimes sold as Neoregelia camorimiana var. Black, is a rare and highly graphic botanical bromeliad native to Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

This dark form is distinguished by a structured rosette capable of developing deep purple, burgundy and almost black tones under strong filtered light. Its relatively compact habit, stoloniferous growth and striking coloration make it particularly attractive for tropical terrariums, paludariums and botanical bromeliad collections.

Botanical family

Bromeliaceae

Genus

Neoregelia

Species

Neoregelia camorimiana E.Pereira & I.A.Penna

Horticultural / Commercial name

Neoregelia camorimiana 'Black'

Botanical status

Neoregelia camorimiana is an accepted botanical species. The designation 'Black' is used here for a particularly dark horticultural form and should not automatically be treated as a formally described botanical variety.

Origin

The species is native to Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, where it naturally grows as an epiphyte in wet tropical environments.

Foliage

The plant develops a rosette of around fifteen rigid to suberect leaves. The foliage can be strongly purple, with darker spotting and particularly intense red coloration toward the inner part of the rosette.

In the 'Black' form, these dark tones are especially valued and may develop into burgundy, deep purple and almost black under strong suitable lighting.

Growth habit and development

Neoregelia camorimiana has a relatively compact to intermediate growth habit and is stoloniferous. Stolons allow offsets to develop some distance from the mother rosette.

The plant can reach approximately 35 cm in height when flowering, while individual leaves may reach around 25 cm long.

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 enclosure and specimen size
• Tropical greenhouse: Yes

Epiphytic cultivation

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

Its stoloniferous growth is especially attractive when mounted, as offsets can gradually spread across the support and form a natural-looking colony.

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 zone should remain lightly moist while maintaining excellent airflow.

Humidity

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

Good ventilation remains essential to prevent stagnant moisture around the base.

Temperature

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

Avoid prolonged cold conditions and cold draughts.

Light

Neoregelia camorimiana 'Black' prefers bright to very bright filtered light.

Strong lighting generally encourages a compact rosette and intensifies the deep purple, burgundy and almost black coloration characteristic of this form.

Growth

Moderate growth. The species produces offsets on stolons and can gradually form an attractive epiphytic colony.

Flowering

Flowering develops directly inside the central rosette, as with other Neoregelia.

The inner foliage can become particularly red at flowering, creating a striking contrast with the purple to dark leaves.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly carried out by separating offsets produced on the stolons 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 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 camorimiana 'Black'?

Neoregelia camorimiana 'Black' is particularly appealing to botanical bromeliad enthusiasts looking for a dark, compact and unusual species.

Its purple to almost black foliage, red centre and stoloniferous growth create highly graphic yet natural tropical displays.

JungleBox advice

Mount this Neoregelia slightly above ground level on a root or cork panel to take advantage of its stoloniferous habit.

Strong filtered light is important for achieving the darkest coloration while maintaining healthy foliage.

Additional information

• Botanical name: Neoregelia camorimiana
• Commercial form: 'Black'
• Family: Bromeliaceae
• Origin: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Type: Botanical epiphytic bromeliad
• Growth habit: Compact to intermediate rosette, stoloniferous
• Foliage: Purple, burgundy to almost black
• Distinctive feature: Red centre and dark spotted foliage
• Flowering height: Approximately 35 cm
• Leaf length: Approximately 25 cm
• 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, excellent
• Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
• Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section
• Propagation: Stoloniferous offsets