Neoregelia 'Fireball'

A small, evergreen perennial growing to 0.2m tall and 0.2m wide.

This small bromeliad produces leaves arranged in an urn shape which collect rainwater in the base. Leaves are red if grown in full sun but revert to green if planted in shade. Leaves are oblong with rough, serrated margins. Flowers are seldom seen. New plants are produced on stolons from the mother plant.

This bromeliad looks it best if planted in full sun, but it will easily grow in shade also. Once established it will tolerate dry conditions.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins, but generally, bromeliads don't require too much fertiliser as they often get enough nutrients from the leaf litter which falls into the crown of the plant and decomposes. Spent flower stems can be carefully removed if need be. Division of plants is easy relatively easy as this bromeliad produces stolons from the mother plant with pups on the end of them and root as they grow. These can be carefully removed with the aid of either a garden spade or old kitchen knife.

Nothing usually bothers bromeliads except for waterlogged conditions which will cause rot.

Logan Campbell Building

The water that is collected in the centre of the plant also collects fallen leaves and small insects. As these decay, the nutrients are released into the water and the plant is able to absorb them for its use.