Bromeliad Tree

Each season we feature a variety of plants and blooms for your enjoyment and exploration. Because we like to be creative at the Botanical Garden, we ‘grew’ a bromeliad tree for the holidays that is home to over 300 plants, including spider plants, orchids, Nematanthus (goldfish plant), Anthurium, ferns, philodendrons, Spanish moss and Tillandsia (air plants) to fill spaces between the rings along with six varieties of bromeliads.

Note: bromeliads from Bullis Bromeliads

The bromeliads chosen for the tree are all 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 farenheit 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.