Description
Nidularium – Bird’s-nest Bromeliad –
There are about 46 species of rosette forming, evergreen epiphytic or terrestrial perennials, sometimes rhizomatous, bromeliads, related to Neoregelia in this genus. They occur from woodland and rainforest, to 6,500′ high mainly in Brazil. The toothed leaves are narrow to broadly strap shaped. The conspicuous leaf sheaths surround tubular flowers, usually borne in summer, they nestle in a cluster of large bracts, resembling a bird’s nest. Grow as houseplants.
Indoors, grow in epiphytic bromeliad potting mix in bright filtered light with moderate to high humidity. During the growing season, water freely. Apply a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer monthly from spring to late autumn. Keep rosette cup filled with water from spring to early autumn. Keep just moist in winter.
Prone to scale insects.
N. rutilans – This terrestrial or epiphytic bromeliad from Southern Brazil grows 12″ tall and 18″ wide. It forms tubular rosettes of 12-20 strap shaped, pointed, toothed, bright green leaves, 14-16″ long, suffused deeper green. Bright red bracts surround clusters of 5-8 tubular red flowers, to 2″ long, with purple tipped white sepals.
Zones 13-15
