That looks just fine and healthy to me. Don't know what it is though.

I think I see marmorated Neo Spectabilis, nice, that has been on my wishlist for years. Impossible to come by over here.

300+? That should be some story....

Sander

That's Neo. Fosperior 'Perfection', and it looks fine to me.

What did you have it in before? It looks like it was growing okay, so I'm not sure the change was really necessary. Generally speaking, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. A sudden change can cause a growth spurt which can ruin the symmetry of the plant.

It is starting to lose its variegation a little on one side, but that happens quite a bit. There's nothing you can do about it, and it doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Some variegates are just a little unstable, that's all. Other than that, I would remove that one curling leaf at the base, and any more as they come along, and just enjoy it!

Thanks Sander - the story is simple - I live in an area where rich people only want color and they see there landscape only as that. They come home and simply tell their gardener to get rid of the broms and add pink, yellow, purple or anything but green plants. The gardener says ok and the broms are tossed in the alley. My neighbor picks them up and started to give them to me. Once he saw how fascinated I was he started giving me everything he collected!! After some research, I found this forum and started to educate myself (big learning curve!!!!!!!!!!) - so here I am just trying to start figuring out what I have. I am really hooked but I am cautious to post - I guess I am afraid I have a pile of junk????

Thanks Lisa - I think I have read every one of your posts (silent admiration) - I definitely have a lot to learn!!!! I am a real rookie in this field but have always had a green thumb. Thanks to you guys, I am now truly addicted!! I will post more pics of my collection (laughable by your standards) soon - maybe I can find a gem in the middle?

Sander I guess a variegated marmorated Neo Spectabilis would leave a mile long drool trail?

Sorry Lisa I didn't answer your question. I changed the soil because it was wrong - stop, no right answer here - I thought I was doing it by the book and trying to make it better - but I see your point - ooops.

Welcome to the forum Paul and believe me you do not have a pile of junk as long as you like them, that Fosperior Perfection is a beauty.
Do post your pics and do not be afraid to ask stupid questions. That makes most of us learn too. You'll be surprised how many people read this forum. It got me addicted too.

As long as you don't ask how to start a pineapple you should be fine. ;-)

HDD, a variegated marmorated spectabilis would catch my attention yes. Got some?

Sander

Sander, that "marmorated spectabilis" is actually a hybrid of marmorata and spectabilis that is pretty widespread in Florida (often incorrectly grown as spectabilis). I was thinking it had now been named 'Julian Nally', but upon further reading, I see that that name applies to one of its seedling offspring grown in Australia.

If you have the time, read the articles linked to the top of the page (where it says "remarks") on the link below, particularly the letters from Nally to Bill Morris in Australia, with whom he traded seeds. A bit lengthy, but I found it fascinating reading, both from a horticultural and a historical standpoint. His comments on how various species hold up to Central Florida weather, which ones self-seed, his difficulties in getting germination on certain varieties, and the nomenclatural confusions that persist to this day are very illuminating.

These were written between 1959 and '63, a time of great expension of interest in bromeliads in this country, and gives you a first hand account of the introduction of many species that we grow today, as well as tantalizing glimpses into the personalities of many now familiar names in brom circles (Ralph Davis, Ed Ensign, Bob Wilson, Nat DeLeon, Lyman Smith, Oather Van Hyning, etc.) Particularly fun are his gleeful jabs at Mulford Foster, long revered as the "Father of Bromeliads" in the US. As usual, there are two sides to that picture! ;-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Neo. 'Julian Nally'