Neoregelia myrmecophila Plant Care
Neoregelia myrmecophila (Ule) L.B.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant red and green banded leaves forming a tight rosette, this stunning bromeliad originates from the rainforests of Brazil. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique ant-attracting cupped center, making it a fascinating addition to any tropical garden or indoor collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Neoregelia myrmecophila?
Water Neoregelia myrmecophila every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Neoregelia myrmecophila Native To?
What Is the Neoregelia myrmecophila?
Neoregelia myrmecophila (Neoregelia myrmecophila) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Neoregelia genus. Neoregelia myrmecophila is native to northern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
Neoregelia myrmecophila displays a rosette-forming, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Neoregelia myrmecophila produces colorful bracts with small flowers emerging from the center.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Neoregelia myrmecophila?
Neoregelia myrmecophila requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Neoregelia myrmecophila Need?
Neoregelia myrmecophila thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Neoregelia myrmecophila in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Neoregelia myrmecophila Prefer?
Neoregelia myrmecophila grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Neoregelia myrmecophila prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Neoregelia myrmecophila?
Well-draining epiphytic mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Neoregelia myrmecophila to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Neoregelia myrmecophila?
Feed Neoregelia myrmecophila every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Neoregelia myrmecophila?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Neoregelia myrmecophila?
Neoregelia myrmecophila can be propagated through offsets (pups), seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blushing bromeliad plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Neoregelia myrmecophila Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Neoregelia myrmecophila, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Neoregelia myrmecophila?
Neoregelia myrmecophila is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Neoregelia myrmecophila Need?
Neoregelia myrmecophila grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Neoregelia myrmecophila is native to northern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Neoregelia myrmecophila as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Neoregelia myrmecophila is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Neoregelia genus — compare its care with other Neoregelia species on PlantoScan.
Neoregelia is part of the Bromeliaceae plant family — browse all Bromeliaceae genera and species.
Neoregelia myrmecophila thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Neoregelia Species
Other Neoregelia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Neoregelia myrmecophila (Ule) L.B.Sm., family Bromeliaceae (first published in Smithsonian Misc. Collect. 126(1): 30 (1955)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Neoregelia myrmecophila, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
