Bromeliad Tree

Bromeliad Tree 2026

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden staff meet year-round to plan for our annual holiday displays. This will be our third year showcasing bromeliads on a 15-foot metal tree.

Because we like to be creative, the bromeliad tree is home to more than bromeliads. Over 300 plants fill the tree’s rings, including ferns, philodendrons, anthuriums, calatheas, and ten varieties of bromeliads. Spanish moss and Tillandsia (air plants) fill spaces between the rings.

The tree is 15 feet tall and is assembled outside by staff and volunteers in early November. Due to its size, it has to be partially disassembled and brought into the conservatory in two pieces.

The tree is set up near the stairs leading up to the balcony area in the conservatory. The bromeliad tree will be on display until the end of the year. Come see it while you can!

More information on the bromeliads:

Most of the bromeliads chosen for the tree are in the genus Neoregelia.

These are tank-forming plants, meaning they form a “cup” or “vase” in the middle of the rosette which catches water and can be habitat for numerous insects and microorganisms.

Their leaves are often spotted, banded, or marbled, and some have spines along the margins. The central leaves in the rosette will often turn red when the plant is getting ready to bloom.

These bromeliads can be grown as houseplants.

They generally tolerate temperatures from 50 to 90 degrees F and need a sunny spot in the house for the best leaf color. Plant in a bark-based potting medium (the kind made for orchids) to provide a well-drained root environment. Keep the center vase or tank filled with water (rainwater is best) and allow the potting medium to dry completely between waterings.

Note: bromeliads from Bullis Bromeliads