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Bromeliads in Florida

© Ellie Goodwin

When I was a child in the Midwest my aunt took me to a garden exhibition. I remember wandering up one aisle and down the other marveling at the flowers and plants. Then we came to this display of bark with spidery-looking greenery hanging from it. It looked so surreal to me. I could never figure out what those things were, or how they held onto the bark or why they would even want to! It was my first acquaintance with members of the bromeliad family.

Air Plants

Some people call bromeliads "air plants" because they seem to just hang suspended and get their nourishment from the air. This in large part is exactly how they operate. Bromeliads belong to the pineapple family of plants. Because of their tropical lineage they are well suited for the hot and humid conditions of Florida. The southern part of the United States is familiar with another ubiquitous bromeliad, Spanish moss.

By the most strict definition bromeliads are parasitic. Bromeliads are usually found on trunks or branches of trees, having attached themselves by small roots. These roots not only secure the bromeliad to the host but extract the necessary nutrients to sustain it. The website Save Florida's Native Bromeliads has a distribution list of bromeliads by Florida county. This list is helpful because it details which plants can tolerate the climate conditions in each county.

Bromeliads at Home

Bromeliads can add a touch of the fantasic to your home, indoors and out. With the wide variety of species available, you can probably find just the color or flower you need to complement your décor. Since bromeliads root on just about any organic host, your imagination can go wild. Some suggestions include slabs of bark, cork, or driftwood. Some bromeliads even attach themselves to rocks! Find a really interesting piece of wood, something with curves and knots. Attach your bromeliad and watch the entire piece become a living work of art. It's something your won't find at the mall and it's individual because you made it. The websites below provide detailed instructions about cultivating bromeliads in addition to some fascinating background information.

Contrary to popular belief, bromeliads can be grown in containers. Small pots are usually best because these plants don't have extensive or deep roots. Bromeliads also do well in hanging containers on your porch or patio. For example, if you line a hanging wire frame basket with spaghnum moss, add soil and place your bromeliads inside, they'll begin to root. Just remember to keep the moisture content high with regular misting.

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