Neoregelia carcharodon 'Spines' is a cultivar (selected from a batch of seedlings), of Neo. carcharadon. It obviously gets it's name due to the enlarged leaf spines that protect the plant from predators. In some circles, especially in Asia, plants are more revered for perfection in form, in this case, enlarged spines with the wide leaves and tight rosette. Add to that, the beautiful rose blush that the plant takes on in enhanced lighting, in this case almost full sun all day, this cultivar is something special. This plant is often seen in pictures where it is shade grown without the red blush. A very large to giant Neo easily reaching 24" across when given proper growing conditions. It will, however, tend to stay more compact when sun grown.
