Main varieties
Stephanie displayed guzmanias, neoregelias and some air plants including Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides). Many bromeliads are very colourful but this colour comes from floral leaves or bracts which hold the smaller, less obvious flowers. Many bromeliads colour more vibrantly when the plants are flowering. These are the main bromeliads sold in Australia today:
Aechmea: The plants in this genus are mostly epiphytic. One of the best known is Aechmea fasciata or ‘Silver King’, which has long lasting, pretty pink flowers and is often used as an indoor plant.
Ananas: The commercially grown pineapple, Ananas comosus is a member of this genus.
Billbergia: There are around 60 species of Billbergia, which are colourful and well suited to growing in the garden around the base of trees. They clump up quickly to form good flower displays, although the inflorescence (flower head) on some species is short lived.
Cryptanthus: This is a terrestrial group from Brazil, which needs plenty of room for root development. They are best suited to warm climates.
Vriesea: Plants in this genus have interesting and varied foliage, and sword like eye-catching flowers. They are easy to grow and are good bromeliads for beginners to try.
Tillandsia: True air plants, tillandsias range in size from the tiny T. bryoides (1cm or 0.4″) to the giant T. grandis which can grow up to 3 metres (9′) tall. Also in this group is T. usneoides, commonly known as old man’s whiskers or Spanish moss, which looks like spider webs hanging from the trees. Apart from its ornamental uses, this material can be used for padding in upholstery.
Guzmania: Members of this family have beautiful green foliage and colourful, big open flowers. The coloured flower spikes last many months.
Neoregelias and their many hybrids are very colourful and easy to grow. The inner leaves of many species turn a brilliant reddish colour just before flowering. The most commonly grown species is Neoregelia carolinae, also known as the ‘Blushing Bromeliad’.
