A shade-loving rosette of dark, often maroon-backed leaves whose centre forms a nest of bright red bracts cradling white flowers. Excellent groundcover bromeliad for deep shade under trees.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 45 cm W
- Aspect: shade and low-light positions and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Bird's Nest Bromeliad
Botanically, Nidularium innocentii is a slow-growing perennial in the Bromeliaceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 45 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and purple-toned foliage. Red and white flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Bird's Nest Bromeliad
Bird's Nest Bromeliad suits tropical and subtropical climates and grows best in shade and low-light positions and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Bird's Nest Bromeliad does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Bird's Nest Bromeliad is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Bird's Nest Bromeliad after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Bird's Nest Bromeliad in the garden
Bird's Nest Bromeliad earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, a feature or specimen planting and a shade tree. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Bird's Nest Bromeliad with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Bird's Nest Bromeliad
Plant Sale lists Bird's Nest Bromeliad as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.