Using Bromeliads in Your Landscape

The Bromeliad Family of Plants

"There are over 2,000 species of bromeliads divided into 44 genera. All are native to the Western Hemisphere. Bromeliads are varied in habit. Most grow as epiphytes, their roots serving as a means of secure attachment to the tree or shrub on which the they grow. Others, known as terrestrials, grow in the ground along the coast or on the forest floor. Still others are saxicolous, growing on or among rocks. Common to all species is an abundance of leaf scales which serve as a moisture and nutrient absorbing system, much the way roots do in other plants."

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http://hubpages.com/hubtool/edit/4620

http://www.rnews.com/Story_2004.cfm?ID=9576&rnews_story_type=59&category=10

ID=9576&rnews_story_type=59&category=10

http://bromeliads.home.att.net/Bromeliad.landscaping.htm

Question: I recently bought a houseplant which had a tag saying it was patented. It also says "asexual reproduction prohibited." What does all of that mean exactly? Is this plant variety superior or better than others. Sara, Virginia Beach , VA

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http://www.plant-care.com/1616_Buying_Named_Plants.html

In south Florida, bromeliads can be grown outdoors unprotected during most winters. In this area, people enjoy bromeliads for their graceful and decorative foliage, flowers, and fruit year round.

Some bromeliads tolerate low temperatures. The graceful, spiny Bromelia pinguin survives north Florida conditions, provided it is grown in a protected area. However, extreme cold temperatures will scorch and injure it. Cold damage to a few leaves will destroy the symmetry and beauty of the plant for a long time.

In areas where frost and freezing temperatures are common, covering with plastic or cloth may offer some protection. However, it is a extremely tedious job to cover the plants, and the covers are unsightly. In addition, mechanical breakage of leaves often occurs. A more practical way to prevent cold damage is to grow bromeliads in containers with a potting mix and sink the containers into the ground. When freezing temperatures are predicted, pull the containers out the ground and move them into a garage or other protected area. While indoors, the plants should receive some light during the daytime. When temperatures are above freezing and no more frosty nights are predicted, the plants can be placed back into the landscape and mulched to hide the pot edges."

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http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG272

Alcantarea This genus has a magnificant species, Alcantarea imperialis, which grows fairly quickly to a large size.with a huge inflorescence. A. imperialis has large leaves, silver/green leaves on top and burgundy underneath. It is great as a single show specimen in the landscape as it grows up to 5 feet tall. Most varieties can tolerate full sun which gives the best color; however, in most hot climates it could take some shading in the middle of summer. It also has some tolerance to salty areas. The plant will have a large silver bloom spike once the plant is mature. A planting of A. imperialis in a large yard presents a wonderful sight to see.

Aechmea Most of the 150 species in this genus are epiphytic and could be used in lanscapes under the right conditions. Following are the most common in-ground cultivated species.

Large: Aechmea blanchetiana (shown in picture at top) and A. bromeliifolia.

Mid-size: A. triangularis, A. distichanta, A, nudicaulis, A. fasciata and the cultivars 'Bert' and 'Frederike'.

Small: A. ampullacea, A. lilliputiana and the Fireball forms.

Ananas The edible pineapple, Ananas comosus, is found in this genus and is grown outdoors in areas that are frost-free. A gardener can plant the spiked leaves and base left over after eating a pineapple, and it will grow readily. There is a variegated form of this species also and as might be expected, it is called variegatus; it has green, cream and pink-striped leaves that has a leaf spread two feet or more across. A bed of 10 - 20 of these plants is an impressive sight.

Billbergia Most Billbergias are tall and urn-shaped with spiny-edged leaves. They are usually epiphytic and the foliage is often attractively variegated, banded, or mottled. Although the inflorescences are short-lived, they are very colorful. Virtually all of the Bilbergias can be grown outdoors in southern climates if they are protected from direct sun in the summer and frost in winter.

Tillandsia With nearly 400 species this genus has hundreds of species that can be grown in our subtropical landscapes. Most are epiphytic and can be attached to just about anything from a tree to a board. Plant species vary in size from tiny to large. T. australis is a large plant for a Tillandsia, and it makes a beautiful and unusual show specimen in any warm weather yard.

In general, the Cryptanthus, Vriesea, Guzmania, and Nidularium genera, which are found in most enthusiast's collections, need more care, specifically concerning humidity, temperature, and light conditions. Most enthusiasts culture them in separate potted or attached plantings.