Nidularium schultesianum 'Striped Fireball' - Variegated Blushing Bromeliad

A striking twist on the original, Nidularium ‘Striped Fireball’ features the same vibrant, red-blushing foliage but with bold cream or yellow variegation along each leaf. Compact and eye-catching, this bromeliad is perfect for brightening terrarium displays, shelves, or tropical groupings. As with all nidulariums, it forms a central “tank” and slowly produces pups after flowering.

Scientific Name
Nidularium schultesianum ‘Striped Fireball’ (from Latin nidulus, “little nest” – a nod to the central flower rosette)

This is a variegated cultivar of Nidularium schultesianum ‘Fireball’, a hybrid widely grown for its rich colour and compact form. The variegated form is prized among collectors and adds even more contrast to the plant’s natural blush.

Common Name(s)
Striped Fireball, Variegated Fireball Bromeliad, Variegated Blushing Bromeliad

Origin
Native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil; cultivar bred for ornamental use

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Will develop the strongest red colouring in brighter conditions. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Water
Water into the central cup (“tank”) of the rosette, keeping it topped up with fresh water and rinsing out every few weeks to prevent stagnation. Water the soil only lightly. Reduce watering in winter.

Humidity
Loves high humidity – mist regularly, or use a pebble tray or humidifier, especially in centrally heated homes.

Soil
Use a free-draining epiphytic mix – orchid bark, perlite, and a little compost or peat-free potting mix. Avoid compacted or moisture-retentive soil. Repot every 1–2 years to refresh the mix.

Food
Feed monthly during the growing season with a very diluted orchid or bromeliad fertiliser. Apply into the cup or as a foliar spray. Avoid overfeeding.

Temp
Ideal range is 18–26°C. Keep away from cold draughts and never expose to temperatures below 10°C.

Pet-safe
Non-toxic – safe for pets and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
This plant will produce pups (baby plants) at its base once it matures. Allow them to reach at least one-third the size of the mother plant before removing and potting them up.

Extras
Like many bromeliads, each rosette only flowers once – after flowering, it slowly dies back while producing offsets to carry on the show.

Did You Know?
The name ‘Fireball’ refers not to the flower but the foliage, which glows a deep scarlet in bright conditions – like a living ember nestled in your plant shelf.