Nidularium 'Exotica Shell Pink'

This is a lovely form of Nidularium rutilans that I selected from a large group of this species I grew from seed. As with most of this species, they grow to 30cm high by 40cm wide. The distinctive feature is the shell pink star shaped flower spike. Like many Nidulariums, this can stay in colour for up to 12 months. Great pot plant, also as an epiphyte or under dense foliage in the garden. Prefers deep shade. Can take light frosts.

Nidularium 'Exotica Ruby Red'

This is one of the strongest growing and heavily coloured Nidulariums that I have come across. This photo doesn't do it justice. When grown well, the colour is a very deep burgundy, like a good wine. The rosettes can grow to 70cm high and 70cm wide, with tough and quite spiky leaves. The star shaped flower spike is one of the largest of the Nidulariums, and is coloured a slightly lighter red than the leaves.

The best colour develops in strong but filtered light, although the cultivar can also grow in full shade or full sun once acclimatised.

This cultivar comes from Nidularium procerum, a line of seed I obtained as Nidularium "Rubra" from Brazil. Approximately 5% of the line came up with these broad, highly coloured leaves, from which I selected this one.