Complete guide to neoregelia 'Pink Sensation' care

Stella, the neoregelia 'Pink Sensation', is a stunning tropical plant known for its vibrant pink foliage and unique rosette shape. It's a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts because of its low maintenance and striking appearance. In this article, we'll discuss the care requirements for the neoregelia 'Pink Sensation' so you can keep this beautiful plant thriving in your home. Here’s the lowdown:

• This plant drinks mostly from the well in its centre, so gently water there (weird, right?). Fill it about a quarter full.
• It likes a lot of bright light, although it prefers not to sit in direct sun. The harsh rays can burn its leaves.
• Like most bromeliads, this one loves a steamy environment. It’ll be thrilled living in a bright bathroom, or with a misting every few days.

You’ll find this bromeliad in South American rainforests, but you’ll have to look up to see it. It grows in the branches of trees, not on the ground. Unusually, its roots aren’t really for feeding. They’re primarily for gripping on to trees. It absorbs water and nutrients through its central well, which is vividly coloured.

The neoregelia 'Pink Sensation' prefers bright but indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch the leaves. If you notice the leaves turning brown or crispy, it's a sign the plant is getting too much light. Place the plant near a window with a sheer curtain or in a partially shaded area of your home.

Your neoregelia 'Pink Sensation' doesn't need frequent watering, but it’s very specific about how it drinks. Water the plant through the central ‘cup’ - that’s how it drinks in the wild. Fill the cup about a quarter full and give the well a rinse once a month. If you can, use filtered water; tap water can be a bit hard. When the well is empty, it’s time for a top up.

The neoregelia 'Pink Sensation' thrives in warm and humid conditions. It prefers temperatures between 18-27°C and particularly high levels of humidity. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase the humidity around the plant by placing a humidifier nearby, using a pebble tray, or misting the leaves with water.

A neoregelia 'Pink Sensation' likes well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. You can use a standard potting mix for tropical plants or create your own. Fertilise the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

Propagating a neoregelia 'Pink Sensation' is relatively easy and the best way to keep your plant going. You can propagate it by removing and replanting its offsets or "pups" that grow at the base of the plant. Gently remove the pup from the mother plant, being careful not to damage its roots. Plant the pup in a small pot with fresh potting soil and water it lightly. Keep the new plant in a warm and humid location, and it should begin to grow in a few weeks.

The neoregelia 'Pink Sensation' is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil. Make sure that the soil is well-draining and that the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Watch out for mealybugs or spider mites that can infest the plant's leaves. If you notice any pests, treat them immediately with an insecticidal soap and put your plant in quarantine until the bugs are gone.