From my very first week working in the gardens, I was mesmerized by all of the different Bromeliads planted along the main path and within the trees. This plant family is so diverse and eye catching. There are approximately more than 2,500 differing species of Bromeliad. Many are bright and tropically colored, but they can vary greatly in shape and size. They are classified as monocot flowering plants and are native predominately to the tropical and sub-tropical Americas. They can be grown outdoors or indoors due to their adaptability to different conditions and require minimal care. The most well-known example of a Bromeliad is the pineapple.

Bromeliads are certainly sought after for their aesthetic; however, they also have some very interesting characteristics that make the plant group so special compared to other plant groups. The specialized characteristics of bromeliads are really unique due to their ability to efficiently store or absorb water. Bromeliads can grow terrestrially in the ground like most plants we are familiar with, but large percentages of this plant group are epiphytes or lithophytes. Epiphytic bromeliads are known as air plants because they absorb nutrients and moisture from the surrounding air using specialized leaves while only using their roots to anchor themselves onto trees or other plants. There is a common misconception of epiphytes being parasitic when observed growing on trees, but these Bromeliads use their roots solely for growing support and do not harm the tree at all. A great example of a Bromeliad with this common misconception is Spanish Moss.

Other members of Bromeliads have foliage that typically grows in the shape of a rosette. This feature enables the plant to store water efficiently by using specialized leaves that form a reservoir or “cup” at the base of the plant. Bromeliads with this specialized capability need to be watered within this cupped rosette versus the roots absorbing water from the soil. Water being stored this way allows easy care of this type of plant and eliminates the fear of overwatering. These overlapping leaves filled with water also help create small ecosystems for many different organisms that use Bromeliads for habitat or to eat other organisms that grow within that habitat.

Unlike most other plants, the specialized leaves or flower bracts are actually what attracts most plant lovers to this family. The flower bracts of Bromeliads are associated with the reproductive system of the plant that are colorful and often form an inflorescence. The flowers of Bromeliads are often insignificant in comparison to the flower bracts. The majority of Bromeliad species only flower once within their lifespan and die when finished blooming, however the flowers do last for longer periods of time and the plant will shoot up new pups that will eventually flower with age. Bromeliads are often sought out for their beautiful colorations as ornamental plants, but they can provide some health benefits within your home as well! They are a type of plant that improves air quality by releasing oxygen and removing air pollutants during the night, which can promote better sleep.

Bromeliads are a special group of plants that are extremely easy to care for, provide a colorful tropical aesthetic to your home or landscape, and also benefit ecosystems and the indoor air quality of your home. There are many different species varying in shape, size and color that can be planted in the ground, grown within treetops or rock copies. The characteristics of this plant family is easily the reason for it to become one of my favorite plant groups to work and learn about here at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.