Neoregelia 'Fireball'

Neoregelia 'Fireball' is one of the most popular miniature tank bromeliads in the hobby, prized for the vivid scarlet colouration that develops in its central cup leaves when given adequate light and humidity. The rosette rarely exceeds 15 cm across, making it ideal for ledges, cork bark mounts, and substrate planting on the land sections of paludariums. It is an epiphyte by nature and adapts equally well to being potted in a loose, well-draining mix or mounted directly on hardscape.

In paludarium conditions the central water-holding cup performs double duty — it collects moisture from misting and provides a microhabitat for small invertebrates and dart frogs. Neoregelia 'Fireball' produces pups (offsets) freely from the base, ensuring a self-perpetuating colony over time. The parent rosette dies after flowering but is quickly replaced by the surrounding pups.

Light: Bright indirect; 2,000–4,000 lux intensifies scarlet colouration in the central cup. CO2/Humidity: No CO2 needed; maintain humidity above 70% for best colouration and growth. Fertilisation: Apply dilute liquid fertiliser monthly directly into the central cup; flush and refill with clean water regularly. Placement: Mount on cork bark, driftwood, or plant in a loose bromeliad mix on the land section of the paludarium. Propagation: Remove pups once they reach one-third the size of the parent and pot or mount individually.