Neoregelia ‘Cotton Candy’
 
Common Names Cotton Candy Bromeliad, Bubblegum Torch
 
Zones 10A–12
 
A vivid hybrid, Neoregelia ‘Cotton Candy’ features soft apple-green leaves that blush to brilliant bubblegum pink across more than half the leaf surface. Its compact rosette and glossy texture make it a favorite for container gardens, patio borders, and indoor displays. Best coloration develops in bright filtered light, making it ideal for shaded tropical installations.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright rosette; slow clumper; terrestrial or epiphytic
Size: 8–12 in (20–30 cm) tall; 12–16 in (30–40 cm) wide
Leaves: Broad, glossy green with pink blush; soft texture; small spines
Flowers: Small, violet-white; emerge from central tank during bloom phase
Fruit: Inconspicuous; not ornamental
Ecology: Tank-forming; supports frogs and microfauna in humid environments
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright shade to dappled sun; avoid direct midday rays3
Watering: Keep central cup filled with clean water; flush weekly; mist foliage in dry conditions
Soil: Well-draining mix with bark, perlite, and sphagnum; pH 5.5–7.0
Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C); protect from frost
Humidity: Moderate to high (50–80%)
Propagation: By offsets (“pups”) after flowering; detach when ⅓ parent size
Tolerance: Heat and humidity tolerant; resistant to verticillium wilt
 
Landscape Use Perfect for tropical beds, patio borders, and decorative containers. Pairs well with Neoregelia ‘Charisma’, Aechmea ‘Blue Rain’, and Calathea ‘White Fusion’.