Bromeliads in the Home

Insider's Garden : Episode TIG-204 -- More Projects »

Professional plantscaper Jeffrey Mintz loves bromeliads--in fact so much that he uses them throughout his home. "I find that bromeliads can often add a lot of excitement and drama to a room simply because of the sheer size and shape of the leaves and bracts," he says. "They can also create a calm feeling because they impart a tropical look." Mintz breaks down bromeliad fundamentals and shares some tips for incorporating these uncommon plants into the home decor.

Figure A

Figure B

Bromeliad lingo:

What makes bromeliads stand out are their modified leaves, which are arranged in rosettes (figure A).

The flower stem of the plant is referred to as the scape.

The bract is the opening at the top of the scape (figure B).

Tips for home display

Because bromeliads are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, Mintz suggests using them in groupings or at the base of larger plants like this arrangement beneath a ficus tree (figure C).

The Guzmania offers a large variety of color within the bract (figure D).

For a distinctive foliage texture and color, the Aechmea features stiff, powdery, striped, or silvery-looking leaves (figure E).

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Vriesea displays a bright, colorful bract that, depending on the variety, can grow anywhere from two inches to three to four feet tall (figure F).

Since bromeliads are well suited to a variety of lighting conditions, including extreme low light, these plants are easy to integrate into home interiors. Don't place bromeliads in direct sunlight; in the jungle, they live in the understory below large trees. Some of them can do well in extremely low-light areas.

This large Tillandsia features bright purple and white flowers along the bract (figure G).

Bromeliads are great for adding color to rooms such as bathrooms that have low-light conditions. The high level of humidity is reminiscent of their native tropical habitats.

Caring for bromeliads is easy; these plants are very low maintenance. The colorful bracts last for months at a time, simply trim away any brown foliage to keep the plant looking fresh.

Figure H

Figure I

Occasionally, Mintz uses a foliage cleaning spray on the bromeliads that have soft, flexible leaves. He avoids using a spray on, or wiping bromeliad leaves, that have unusual texture or coloring like this powdery variety (figure H). If you use a cleaning spray, be sure to do so outside since it can get messy.

To water bromeliads growing on wooden bases, spray the plants so that the water runs down the foliage and into the natural plant vases, the little bowl that's formed at the base of the rosette of leaves.

When purchasing a bromeliad, pay special attention to the plant's coloring. Choose a plant with good color, form, and one with a flower spike that is just opening up. Avoid bromeliads with blemishes on the foliage, flower spike, or plants that have already flowered and are fading out.

Some of bromeliads like this Tillandsia can grow without soil (figure I).

Figure J

Figure K

To mount an airplant:

Find a piece of driftwood that is rot resistant, salt-free, and free from any wood preservative.
Apply a small dab of glue to the wood with a glue gun, wait a few moments, and place the side of the plant in the glue.
Disguise the base of the plant with Spanish moss (figure J), which happens to be a bromeliad as well. Use glue to secure in place if needed.
Create additional drama by a second bromeliad of another size and variety (figure K).

Guests
Jeffrey Neil Mintz
Pacific Designs
5502 Village Green
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Phone: 323-291-JEFF (5333) Also in this Episode

Insider's Garden : Episode TIG-204
•	Bromeliads
•	Bromeliads in the Home
•	Containers for Bromeliads
•	A Lasting Alternative

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Bromeliads in the Home

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