Bromeliad Varieties

Below are short notes on the genus names of some of the most popular bromeliads. There are over 3,000 different species and even more man-made hybrids and cultivated varieties.
Vriesea, Guzmania Most of these are forest dwellers and so prefer soft, filtered light. They are normally grown for their flower spike which in many cases resembles a spear or a sword.
Tillandsia Robust plants despite their delicate grey looks. They are epiphytes and will grow better mounted on cork boards or driftwood. They must have bright light and good air circulation. They are definitely NOT indoor plants nor fridge magnets as they are sometimes sold! They like to dry out between waterings. Slow growers.
Aechmea, Billbergia, Neoregelia, Nidularium The majority of the plants from these genera come from Eastern Brazil which has a climate similar to coastal Queensland. They adapt well to our conditions. Most have coloured, striped or spotted leaves and are decorative even when not in flower.
Aechmea normally have flowers and then berries on an extended flower spike. Most Aechmeas need bright filtered light but the ones with soft or dull red leaves prefer shade.
Billbergia are colourful tubular plants with spectacular but short-lived flowers. Good light required to promote leaf colour.
Neoregelia generally glow red or purple in the centre when flowering. Others are attractive miniature plants with dark bands, spots or stripes. Neoregelia's require bright light.
Nidularium have a cluster of coloured leaves in their centre when flowering and prefer a shady location under trees or in a fernery.
Ananas, Hechtia, Dyckia Robust, terrestrial plants armed with fierce spines for outdoor growing in tropical and subtropical areas. Hechtia and Dyckia are often grown with succulents and cacti. They are terrestrial so they need larger pots and heavier feeding. The commercial pineapple is a cultivated spineless form of Ananas comosus. You can plant a pineapple top. It will grow for you but may not fruit in the cooler Newcastle climate.
Cryptanthus Small star-shaped plants grown for their highly coloured and patterned leaves. They are cold sensitive so they need a tropical climate and a warm protected position in winter. Like to be well watered.