Neoregelia ‘Guacamole’ 
 
Common Names Guacamole Bromeliad, Spotted Torch
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A medium-sized hybrid with greenish-yellow foliage and irregular red banding, Neoregelia ‘Guacamole’ is a favorite among dart frog keepers and vivarium designers. Its stiff, glossy leaves form a symmetrical rosette that intensifies in color under bright filtered light. Fast-growing and prolific, it clumps readily and adapts well to mounting, making it ideal for vertical backgrounds and humid enclosures.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Compact rosette; fast clumper; terrestrial or epiphytic
Size: 8–12 in (20–30 cm) tall; 12–14 in (30–36 cm) wide
Leaves: Stiff, glossy green with yellow undertones and red banding; spineless or finely serrated
Flowers: Small, lavender-white; emerge from central tank during bloom phase
Fruit: Inconspicuous; not ornamental
Ecology: Tank-forming; supports frogs and microfauna; ideal for amphibian breeding sites2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright filtered light to partial sun; best color in strong indirect light
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 (60–90%)
Propagation: By offsets (“pups”) after flowering; detach when ½ to ¾ parent size
Tolerance: Heat and humidity tolerant; sensitive to overwatering and poor ventilation
 
Landscape Use Ideal for vivariums, tropical beds, and mounted displays. Pairs well with Neoregelia ‘Grapevine’, Tillandsia ionantha, and Aechmea recurvata.