Nidularium schultesianum 'Fireball' - Blushing Bromeliad

A vibrant and compact bromeliad, Nidularium ‘Fireball’ is known for its rosette of glossy green leaves that blush a brilliant red when exposed to bright light. Its low, spreading shape makes it ideal for terrariums, shelf displays, or grouped with other tropicals. While it may produce small flowers at the centre of the rosette, it’s the dramatic foliage colour that steals the show.

Scientific Name
Nidularium schultesianum ‘Fireball’ (from Latin nidulus, meaning “little nest”, referring to the nest-like centre where flowers emerge)

Named after the German botanist Julius Schultes. Nidularium is part of the Bromeliaceae family, closely related to Neoregelia and other tank-forming bromeliads. ‘Fireball’ is a popular cultivar widely grown for its vivid colour and compact habit.

Common Name(s)
Fireball Bromeliad, 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.