Along with books, family photos and personal collections, plants add life and personality to a home. Placing a beautiful and exotic bromeliad in any room will provide instant color, texture and interest to a space.
Bromeliads are a tropical plant that comes primarily from South America, specifically Brazil. The pineapple is perhaps the best known of all the bromeliads. This plant was first introduced by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was only available to royalty and wealthy members of society. However, colonial America adopted the pineapple as a sign of welcome and hospitality in the 1700’s and this tradition endures today.
With over 2000 species of bromeliads available it is possible to find the right size, color and shape to suit your personal taste. Regardless of the species you choose, bromeliads have several things in common.
• They bloom just once producing a large and long lasting flower. In order to reproduce, small buds or “pups” as they are called, sprout up next to the parent plant.
• Bromeliads are adaptable to most environments. In nature they can be found blooming from the high mountains to harsh and dry desert areas. Most species found in the home prefer warm and humid conditions.
• All bromeliads have scaly leaves. Depending on the species, these scales may be large and noticeable or very small. Their purpose is to help the plant preserve water and protect itself from the environment.
Bromeliads offer colors that range from soft and sweet pinks and purples to vibrant red perfect for holiday decorating. In between you will find sunny yellows, bright fuchsia, luscious orange and deep scarlet. The leaves offer just as many color choices. Some varieties have leaves that are wide and smooth while others have thin and pointy leaves. You can often find leaves with a variegated pattern of light and dark or even some with colored tips.
Most bromeliads are very easy to care for. They require very little water and can grow in normal “dirt”. They are able to tolerate direct sun as well as survive in shade.
The easiest bromeliads to care for are artificial or silk plants. You can choose a specific size and color combination to coordinate with your décor and most are so realistic no one will know the difference.
The beauty, ease of care and versatility of this plant makes it a wonderful and welcome hostess gift. As a Bridge or Bunco party gift, the ladies will be fighting over who gets to keep this one.
