Hi Gordon
Yes the lack of sun caused the loss of color..ie shock. If you fertilized the plant that will do it also. The problem is now you must slowly re-introduce the plant to the higher sunlight or it will burn.

I figured as much, its catching a few afternoon rays as the sun dips but obviously not enough to keep its colours up! I will have to shuffle it about a bit and see what results I can get with time. Was scared of burning everything so I thought I would play it safe and shade most stuff I found in the yard when we moved in, sounds like I have been too conservative!

I just read all the information on fertilisers I could find and have probably made this situation worse by feeding him a quarter strength dose of a fish emulsion type mix, sprayed on to leaves thoroughly. Rookie mistake by the sounds! I will have to give him a good wash and start with an hour of afternoon sun ASAP! Will post more pics if there is any change over a few weeks (cross fingers!)

G.

The fish emulsion is good and when learning fertlizers use 1/10th strength if in doubt. Just dont foliar feed in full sun.

Hi Gordon,

I agree with everything HDD said and would just like to add that you should also study the N.P.K. rating on all fertilizer containers.

Be wary of fertilizers with high nitrogen ratings, as they will give you good growth but will also rob the colour from your Neo's.

If in doubt as to what you should use, there is a chap in Qld who makes a fertilizer especially formulated for bromeliads. You could probably contact him via one of the Bromeliad Societies.

All the best, Nev

Gordon, if you'd like to know how to thoroughly screw up your plants with fertilizer look no further, I'm your man. Luckily the plants regained their colors. From now on it's a bread and water diet for 'em.

Evening All.

Thanks for the notes HDD, I will be sure to stay out of the sun when I'm spraying it around! I will probably revert to the NPK balanced stuff that Nev is talking about, there is an old thread in here where Lisa & others discussed at length the problems of high nitrogen ferts and spoke of 'Wolfgang' and where to find him! I will give that a shot I think. For now they have had a half strength feed as I have taken every other bit of food of them in the last few weeks with the moving & pupping & cleaning. Gonzer I hope I haven't just created a whole sea of green with the Charlie Carp as seems to be the worst case scenario!

Regards
Gordon.

Gordon,

If your Neo is looking for a name, I have seen Red Gold looking like both of your pictures.

Rick

I have a tag for a Red Gold in the backyard! One of many I found in a large pile around the greenhouse from the old owner. I will for now refer to it as such, the fact it had gone totally green had me think I was losing my mind. :) Red Gold it is.