12 Interesting Bromeliad Facts

Author: Celeste Booth6 Comments

Care and Culture

Bromeliads are fascinating plants. They range from pineapples to spanish moss and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. We’ve put together a list of some of the more interesting and unique bromeliad facts for your knowledge and entertainment. If you ever have a question, don’t hesitate to visit our FAQ page or Ask an Expert if you need further assistance.

•  Brazil is home to the most species of bromeliads.

• Most bromeliads only bloom once in their life.

• Bromeliads don’t have one main flower. They actually produce an array of smaller flowers on spikes or inflorescences or in rosette shapes.

• Spanish moss used to be used for stuffing mattresses.

• Bromeliads with thin leaves like moisture, and those with thick leaves prefer dry conditions.

• All bromeliads fall under one of three subfamilies: bromelioideae, pitcairnioideae, or tillandsioideae.

• Pineapples are the only bromeliad fruits that are sold commercially throughout the world.

• Once harvested, pineapples do not continue to ripen.
  

  Puya raimondii.

• Bromeliads can be found growing in three different ways. Terrestrial species grow with their roots in the ground (like most plants we are familiar with). Saxicolous species are found growing on rocks. Finally, Epiphytic species grow on other plants/hosts (usually trees), and get their nutrients from the air around them.

• Tillandsia is the largest genus in the bromeliad family.

• Puya raimondii  (see photo) is the largest species of bromeliad. 

• The Puya raimondii  may take 80 or more years to flower.

Photo courtesy of Pepe Roque.

Cover Photo by Antonio Lambe Acción Ambiental.