Bromeliads--Basic Facts

Bromeliads are a most wonderful family of plants, worshipped by anyone stung by the extremely infectious bromeliad bee. Over the world almost any gardener must have a few bromeliads or he/she is not a true flower lover.

The bromeliad family has a rather unspectacular flower, but the inflorescence (the stalk containing the flowers) is often covered with dozens of small colorful flowers. Some species have dozens of elegant little flowers in a rosette (leaves growing around a flowered center) blooming one at a time over several months. Plant sizes range from small fit-in-your-hand species to those with spectacular foliage measuring four feet across. Many are epiphytes (attached to another living plant), sometimes called air plants, and many grow in the ground. Many species get some of their water out of the humid air and others store water in their rosette. Leaves are colorful with different shades of greens, oranges, reds, and yellows.

In general, these plants are easy to maintain indoors or outside, and they are continuing to gain in popularity. They make great houseplants and can take unfavorable growing conditions. Two diverse species that you might recognize are the pineapple and Spanish moss.

Bromeliad Society International

Bromeliad societies offer great information on their websites. This one is the society of bromeliad societies. You can find information on culture, taxonomy, cultivars, online discussions, related links, and much more. The site also has and excellent bromeliad genera photo gallery.

Houston Bromeliad Society

The following cultural chart was developed by Don Garrison of the Houston Bromeliad Society. Click on http://www.houstongardening.info/bromel.htm to go to the site.

Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies

"Serving the Bromeliad enthusiasts of Florida and the Internet Community" is the motto of this society. Florida has several species of bromeliads, and enthusiasts can study them in the wild. Many of the plants have disappeared, but the FCBS is trying to save those that are left. Right now they are working hard to save Florida bromeliads from the Mexican Bromeliad (Evil) Weevil. This site also contains several hundred excellent photos of bromeliad species. This is a great site with solid, reliable information.

Sunshine Coast Bromeliad Society

Central Coast NSW Bromeliad Society

Bromeliads are popular the world over, but Australia and New Zealand have an abundance of bromeliad enthusiasts with many societies, shows, and nurseries. There is even a good exchange of species and cultivars with the rest of the world.

Michael's Bromeliads

"Michael's Bromeliads was established in 1988 as a mail order nursery and remains a family operation dedicated to providing quality bromeliads to collectors and enthusiasts world wide. Our collection has grown to include nearly 1900 varieties of bromeliads from over 40 genera. Our online store will feature many popular and easy to grow varieties and will be updated continually. If you like, you may also view a listing of our entire collection at the 'Our Collection' page. You can inquire about specific plants by using the 'Contact Us' page. We hope you enjoy our site and come back often."

I am well acquainted with Michaels Bromeliads Nursery. Their greenhouses contain hundreds of popular species and cultivars. Heathy, beautiful plants are Michael's specialty. He is constantly cultivating new varieties and is willing to share them with bromeliad enthusiasts everywhere. Give Michaels Bromeliads a try; you will be satisfied.

Tropiflora

"Once upon a time some forty years ago I was an amateur herpetologist (reptile fancier) who, by accident of fate, met my first bromeliad on a collecting trip to Mexico. I never suspected at the time that this chance encounter would someday change my life. On subsequent trips south, bromeliads became more and more objects of interest, and after an extended trip to Costa Rica in 1968, a place where bromeliads of brilliant hues beckoned like jewels in the verdant jungles, bromeliads started to become a fascination on par with the reptiles. A small collection soon followed and nurtured by Florida sun and rain, slowly grew into an OBSESSION. Face it, some of you out there reading this can relate. There are never enough new varieties and the plant you like the most is the one you don't have yet. Taking complete control of all free time, the growing collection required the conversion of a porch to a fiberglass-roofed plant room and then the construction of a small greenhouse before eventually becoming the dominant plant in the landscape."

Tropiflora is a large Florida bromeliad and orchid nursery. Dennis Cathcart, the owner, has led the way in making bromeliads the popular ornamental plant it is today. He has traveled the western hemisphere looking for new species to introduce to BROMELIAD enthusiasts. They are starting an emphasis on online business. Look at their Cargo Report and give them a try; you'll be pleased with the wonderful service.