Neoregelia ‘Voodoo Doll’ is a captivating bromeliad hybrid known for its vibrant coloration. This cultivar adds a dramatic flair to any plant collection, making it a favored choice for houseplant enthusiasts and terrarium designers. Its striking appearance and straightforward care contribute to its widespread appeal.
Unveiling Neoregelia Voodoo Doll
It forms a compact rosette, typically maturing to 14 to 16 inches in diameter, though some can reach up to 20 inches. Its foliage displays intense purple overlaying green leaves, often accented with bronze undertones. This glossy coloration, a hallmark of Grant Groves hybrids, intensifies with adequate light. The leaves can also feature vibrant red or pink centers, creating a dramatic contrast. This combination of deep reds, purples, and greens makes ‘Voodoo Doll’ visually distinct. Its intense purple hue is attributed to high concentrations of anthocyanins, which also help protect it from excess light. Its compact size makes it an ideal centerpiece.
Neoregelia Voodoo Doll Care
Light
Neoregelia ‘Voodoo Doll’ thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant coloration. An east or west-facing window provides ample light without harsh direct sun. Too much direct sunlight, especially through glass, can scorch the leaves. Conversely, insufficient light will dull and fade the plant’s colors.
Watering
Bromeliad care involves watering the central “tank” or “cup” formed by the rosette of leaves. This reservoir should be kept partially filled with fresh water, approximately one-quarter to one-half full. Regularly flush the tank every three to four weeks to prevent stagnation, algae, and bacterial growth. While the tank is the primary source of hydration, the potting medium should also be kept slightly moist, but never waterlogged, allowing it to dry out between waterings.
Potting Medium
Neoregelia ‘Voodoo Doll’ needs a well-draining, airy potting mix, suitable for epiphytic plants like bromeliads. Suitable mediums include orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, or a mix of peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite. These plants are not heavy feeders through their roots, which primarily anchor the plant. Good drainage prevents root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Originating from tropical environments, ‘Voodoo Doll’ prefers warm, stable temperatures, ideally 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C). High humidity levels are beneficial, mimicking its natural habitat. To increase humidity, group plants together or place the pot on a pebble tray with water. Good air circulation is important, especially with high temperature and humidity, to prevent disease.
Fertilization
Neoregelias are light feeders and do not require extensive fertilization. Apply highly diluted liquid fertilizer, typically at one-quarter to one-half of the recommended strength. This solution can be applied as a foliar spray directly onto the leaves, as the plant absorbs nutrients through its foliage. Avoid pouring fertilizer directly into the central cup, as salts can build up and potentially burn leaves or encourage rot and algae. Fertilize sparingly, usually during the growing season (spring and summer).
Propagating Neoregelia Voodoo Doll
Propagating ‘Voodoo Doll’ is achieved through its offsets, known as “pups,” which emerge from the base of the mother plant. Separate pups when they have reached approximately one-third to one-half the size of the mother plant. At this stage, they are mature enough to establish independently.
Use a sharp, sterilized knife or pruners to cut as close to the mother plant as possible. While pups can form roots after potting, some root development on the offset indicates readiness. After separation, plant each pup individually into a small pot (3 or 4-inch size) using a well-draining bromeliad mix. Supporting newly potted pups with small stakes may be necessary until their root system develops.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Loss of vibrant color or fading foliage often indicates insufficient light. Bright, indirect light helps maintain its intense hues. Moving the plant to a brighter location, away from direct sun, can restore its characteristic coloration.
Rotting of the central cup or plant base is a frequent problem, typically caused by stagnant water or poor air circulation. Regularly flush the central tank with fresh water to prevent bacterial buildup and ensure water does not remain stagnant, especially in cooler temperatures. Improving air circulation also helps prevent this.
Brown leaf tips can occur due to low humidity or mineral buildup from tap water. Increase humidity through misting or using a pebble tray. If using tap water, consider switching to distilled or rainwater, or periodically flushing the plant to remove mineral salts.
If the plant is not producing pups, it might not be mature enough, or its growing conditions are not optimal. Ensure the plant receives adequate light, appropriate watering, and stable temperatures to encourage pup production. The mother plant naturally produces pups as it approaches the end of its life cycle after blooming.