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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Neoregelia spectabilis

painted fingernail

An evergreen rosette of leathery strap-shaped dull green leaves to 45cm in length, each tipped with red; inner leaves red. Blue flowers grow from purple-banded green bracts, in the centre of the rosette

Other common names
fingernail plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red
Summer Blue Purple Green Red
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green Red
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Neoregelia are evergreen, rosette-forming perennials with strap-shaped leaves, the inner ones often brightly coloured; small tubular flowers are borne in dense clusters with showy bracts, in the centre of the rosette in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Brazil

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in epiphytic or terrestrial bromeliad compost in bright filtered light. Water freely with soft water when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Apply a low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth. May be grown outdoors in gritty, leafy soil in an open site with partial shade or grow epiphytically in a tree

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 27°C as soon as ripe, or separate offsets in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Sever spent rosettes at the bases

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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