Bromeliads

My husband Mark and I recently (October 2004) stayed at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Opryland is a plant lover’s paradise. It has cascading waterfalls, numerous tropical plants, and many beautiful fountains. 

I spent many hours walking among the tropical plants, reviewing plant names, taking pictures, and simply enjoying the natural beauty. I cannot pick out a favorite, but one bromeliad especially caught my eye.

Bromeliads are in the pineapple family. There are many different types of bromeliads, each with a different exotic look.  They are curvy or straight, large or miniature, dense or light, but all are bold and colorful. Most have brilliant, long-lasting flowers. 

Tillandsia bromeliads are better known as air plants. These grow without soil or added water. You have probably seen them stuffed in little shells and sold as refrigerator magnets. They are also commonly found displayed on driftwood or other small containers. They do required misting and do best in warm, moist areas such as the bathroom or kitchen. Spanish moss is another good example of a Tillandsia. 

The most common bromeliads are the Aechmeas or Urn plants. They hold water in their central cupped leaves. They do require water but can rot if overwatered. They prefer to have their water in their basal leaves to use when they need it. These bromeliads do best in diffused bright light but tolerate some shade. Their flowers grow in colorful clusters above stiff leaves. 

Guzmania in University of Illinois Conservatory

Guzmania are common in many malls and large interiorscapes. These have glossy rosettes of arched, spreading leaves and long-lasting flowers. Guzmania work well in low light conditions. 

Vriesea are the second most commonly grown bromeliad. These are medium size, with soft or firm, variously green but often spotted, blotched or distinctly marked leaves. Flowers are yellow, green or white with brightly colored bracts and may be upright like a spear, pendulous or even curved. 

So which one caught my eye at Opryland? I’m not positive, but it looks a lot like the Aechmea fendleri. It had an impressive brush of lavender-colored flowers on a pink stem dusted with a white bloom. The stem was about a foot tall. Leaves were a large green rosette, with a slight silver tinge. They used the plant in window boxes and in ground beds. 

As you can see, there are many different types of bromeliads. Many make wonderful houseplants and are quite easy to grow. Look for some on your next shopping trip.

Originally published in Canton Daily Ledger on 10-23-2004