Neoregelia ‘Banshee’
 
Common Names Banshee Bromeliad, Albo-Margined Tiger Star
 
Zones 10B–12
 
A dramatic hybrid, Neoregelia ‘Banshee’ combines the lineage of carolinae Variegated × Hannibal Lecter × Norman Bates × Blushing Tiger to produce a large, vividly banded rosette. Long, sweeping green leaves are edged in creamy-white albo-margination and blush deep red under high light, with tiger-like horizontal banding. This cultivar is prized for its bold color shifts and architectural form, making it a standout in containers, vivariums, and tropical beds.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright rosette; terrestrial or epiphytic; slow clumper
Size: 16–20 in (40–50 cm) across; 8–12 in (20–30 cm) tall
Leaves: Bright green with creamy-white margins; deep red blush and horizontal banding under high light; spineless
Flowers: Small, lavender-white; emerge from water-filled central cup; bloom once
Fruit: Inconspicuous; not ornamental
Ecology: Central tank retains water; supports frogs, insects, and microfauna in humid environments
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Strong filtered light or high PAR LED; blush intensifies with light acclimation
Watering: Keep central cup filled with clean water; flush weekly; mist foliage in dry conditions
Soil: Well-draining mix with bark, perlite, and sphagnum; suitable for mounting or containers
Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C); protect from frost
Humidity: High humidity preferred (60–80%); ideal for vivariums or tropical interiors
Propagation: By offsets (“pups”) after flowering; detach when ⅓ parent size
Tolerance: Moderate drought tolerance; sensitive to hard water and cold drafts
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical beds, vivariums, and large containers. Pairs well with Neoregelia ‘Hannibal Lecter’, Tillandsia cyanea, and Calathea orbifolia.