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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Bird's Nest Bromeliad does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
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
Combine Bird's Nest Bromeliad with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
