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Neoregelia Shelldance

Neoregelia Shelldance

  • ​​​Common names: Neoregelia or Bromeliad
  • Scientific name: Neoregelia “Shelldance”
  • Family: Bromeliaceae
  • Origin: Genus originates from East Asia – Shelldance was cultivated in California as a variation of Neoregelia “Fairy Paint”
  • Height: 18-24 inches
  • Width: 18-24 inches
  • Growth: Slow
  • Zone: 9b-11
  • Light needs: Partial shade – Full sun
  • Salt tolerance: Moderate
  • Soil/PH/Texture: Needs well-drained substrate, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.1 - 7)
  • Moisture: Humidity tolerant, needs moderate watering to fill water cup
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate
  • Pests/Diseases: Leaf spots, rot when too wet, scale, mealy bugs. Water cup may draw mosquitoes.
  • Growing conditions: Grows best in sunny or slightly shade areas outside or as a houseplant. It is epiphytic, so it does not need soil, just a surface to attach itself to. Best at temperatures of 50°F-90°F. Absorbs water through its “cup” in its center where the base of the leaves meets – this should be flushed out and refilled weekly to avoid rot and mosquitoes.
  • Characteristics: Long, glossy, pointed leaves which are mostly lime green, with magenta around the center and along the leaf edges. Leaves often grow in a wavy pattern giving Shelldance a distinct look. Flowers are small, light purple, and bloom in the center cup. Roots do not absorb water but anchor the plant to surfaces.
  • Propagation: By offsets (pups)
  • Wildlife: Water cup attracts mosquitoes and other water-laying bugs and an occasional frog.
  • Facts: Was first hybridized in California, but what plants it was hybridized from is a topic of discussion – some believe Shelldance is a cross between Neoregelia and Cryptanthus, but the main consensus is that it is a variation of Neoregelia “Fairy Paint”. Its color becomes more vibrant with the more sunlight it is exposed to.
  • Designer considerations: Shelldance is epiphytic and does not need soil to survive, so it can add a burst of color to trees or other organic surfaces. It can also be placed in pots or terrariums.

Neoregelia Shelldance

Location

Bromeliad Island Garden