Nidularium

Plant Characteristics
Habit		bromeliad
Lifespan:	⌛	perennial

Cultivation

Features:	✓	foliage
Flower features:	❀	red

Scientific Names
Bromeliaceae >	Nidularium >

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Nidularium is a genus of the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Bromelioideae. Named to describe the nestling characteristic of the inflorescence (Lat. nidulus = little nest), they are endemic to Brazil. Commonly confused with Neoregelia which they resemble, this plant group was first described in 1854.

Read about Nidularium in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture
Nidularium (from Latin nidus, a nest). Bromeliaceae. Warmhouse epiphytes, requiring the treatment of billbergia. Flowers perfect, borne in compound heads, the petals joined at the base and not ligulate (in all the typical species); anthers attached mostly on the back (m some related plants attached mostly at the base): Lvs. strap-shaped, ovate or oval, in dense rosettes, the fls. mostly sessile, red, blue, or white; the inner Lvs. of the rosette, here called bract-lvs., are usually highly colored and constitute most of the merit of some species.—About 15 Brazilian species, by some referred to Karatas and other genera, but by Mez (DC. Monogr. Phaner. 9) kept distinct. During the spring and summer nidulariums will require plenty of heat and moisture, this being their growing season. About the middle of January or when they show signs of becoming more active, they may be placed in a house with a night temperature of 65°. Before the plants are started up too much, they should have any necessary repotting. They do well in either pans, cribs, or wire baskets. The compost should be some light porous material, such as fern fiber, sphagnum moss, or fibrous peat, adding some broken crocks and charcoal for drainage. Gradually increase the temperature at night until by summer they are having 75° with 10° to 15° higher during the day. Dampen the walks and under the benches so as to produce plenty of atmospheric moisture. With the increased temperature, do not allow them to become dry at the root, as they like an abundance of moisture. While nidulariums like plenty of light, they will need some shade when the sun is powerful, so they will not burn. After flowering they should be encouraged to make new growth. During the winter the temperature may be dropped to about 60° at night and the atmosphere should be kept drier. They will need only a very little water during the dark days of winter, just enough to keep them alive. Nidulariums are increased by suckers like many others of the Bromeliaceae. These may remain on the parent plant until of sufficient size and strength, when they should be taken off and placed in small pots, using the same compost as above. Place these under a frame with bottom heat and a humid atmosphere. In a short time, they begin to make growth, when they may be given the same treatment as the old plants. Sponge often for scale. N. amazonicum, Lind. & Andr.-Canistrum. — N. Binotii, Morr.-Aregelia.- — ..V. Carolinae, Lem.— Aregelia. — N. Chantrieri, Andre is a hybrid of N. Innocentii and N. fulgens. with brilliant red bract-lvs., obtained by Chantrier Freres. France. — N. Lindenii, Regel-Canistrum. — N. medeo-pictum, Hort. Lvs. with dark blotches on a green ground and broad white bands lined with green in the center. Brazil. — N. Morrinianum, Makoy- Aregelia. — N. princeps, Morr.-Aregelia. — A'. triste, Regel-Aregelia. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.