9 Types of Bromeliads for Growing Indoors
The bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae) includes many types that make wonderful indoor plants.
In relation to pineapple, there are more than 3,000 known species, classified into about 75 genera originating from the subtropical regions of North, Central, and South America. In addition to many native species, there are numerous cultivars grown for sale.
Many bromeliads are epiphytic plants (air plants), clinging to tree trunks or falling off and absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air.
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When grown as houseplants, they can be assembled into bark chunks or potted in a growing medium consisting primarily of bark clippings and peat. Other popular bromeliads are terrestrial species that can be grown in a regular potting mix.
Others are more like desert succulents, requiring sandy, porous soil for pots, such as cactus soil.
Bromeliads tolerate little light; they can be sprayed from above in their central cups; and they feature ornamental foliage and beautiful, though rare, flowers.
Although they are spectacular plants, most are incredibly easy to grow. Although many bromeliads prefer shady areas in their native areas when grown indoors most need relatively bright locations, such as in front of a window.
Most also need relatively humid conditions, which can be challenging when grown indoors in the dry winter months. Keeping the pot on a constantly wet gravel saucer can help.
Here are nine categories of bromeliad plants that are ideal for growing indoors.
Gardening Tip
Many people discard bromeliads after flowering is complete, but with a little experience, a bromeliad can easily become a complete garden for these large tropical plants. Small displacements from the original plant, called "offspring", can be replanted to propagate as many bromeliads as you like.
Aechmea (Aechmea spp.)
The various species in the genus Aechmea are some of the hardiest and most durable bromeliads, which may explain why this is also one of the most popular indoor varieties.
The genus includes beloved species such as A. chantinii (zebra plant) and A. fasciata (urn plant). These large, beautiful plants feature impressive flowers and bracts that can last up to six months before disappearing forever. Fortunately, they can spread.
- Native Area: Subtropical North America, Central America, and South America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10–11; usually grown as houseplants
- Height: Varies by species
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light; provide shade when grown outdoors
Guzmania (Guzmania spp.)
Guzmania bromeliads come in an impressive range of leaf colors, from orange, yellow, and red to purple and even white. Flowers, on the other hand, are insignificant.
These hybrids offer several weeks of colors like table plants and, like other popular bromeliads, can be kept as houseplants that reproduce as "young" around their base. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Native Area: Subtropical North America, Central America, and South America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10–11; usually grown as houseplants
- Height: Varies by species; most grow to about 24 inches
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
Neoregelia (Neoregelia spp.)
The Neoregelia bromeliads most commonly seen in cultivation are shorter than their showy cousins, as they do not have tall flowered bracts.
However, these plants typically have impressive foliage that can provide months of color. Species in this genus are also slightly more cold hardy than other types of bromeliads, surviving temperatures of up to 40 degrees.
The most common species of Neoregelia is N. carolinae, which has narrow and often variegated leaves. When it blooms, the center of the cup turns red, and small flowers sprout.
- Native Area: Subtropical North America, Central America, and South America
- USDA Growing Zones: 9–10; usually grown as houseplants
- Height: Varies by species; most are less than 1 foot
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
Vriesea (Vriesea spp.)
The Vriesea bromeliads seen indoors are somewhat strange plants, but strangely beautiful. Both types of foliage and flowers are available, but the latter is much more common.
These plants have colored flower bracts, somewhat flat, with small, almost insignificant flowers. The foliage is edged and often variegated. Slightly smaller, they are perfect table plants for low light conditions.
- Native Area: Subtropical North America, Central America, and South America
- USDA Growing Zones: 10–11; usually grown as houseplants
- Height: Varies by species
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
Tillandsia (Tillandsia spp.)
Tillandsia is one of the largest genera in the bromeliad family, with more than 500 species. Most are epiphytes; In the horticultural trade, "aerial plant" is the most common name for them.
Other species of Tillandsia are terrestrial and some are stone-like and grow on rocks. These bromeliads produce purple, blue, white, pink, and yellow tubular flowers.
They like lots of light (and will look good in direct sunlight) and require high humidity, 50% to 70%. In many homes, they need frequent sprays to stay healthy.
- Native Area: Southern United States to southern South America
- USDA Growing Zones: 11; usually grown as houseplants
- Height: Varies by species
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
Billbergia (Billbergia spp.)
Most Billbergia plants are epiphytes. But when grown as houseplants, these types of bromeliads are often packaged in a mix that includes potting soil mixed with bark chips and peat, making it easy to water the plants.
The spectacular but short-lived flowers can be purple, blue, yellow, green, or white. The growth habit varies by species, but most have pointed leaves arranged in a rosette. Others have cascading green leaves. Some popular species include B. distachia, B. nutans, B. pyramidalis, and B. saundersii.
- Native Area: Mexico, Central America, Brazil
- USDA Growing Zones: 10–11; some species tolerate brief frost
- Height: Varies by species
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
Cryptanthus (Cryptanthus spp.)
The genus Cryptanthus comprises mainly terrestrial bromeliads that work well as pot plants. Commonly known as Earthstars, they have a unique growth habit that features pointed leaves arranged in low, narrow rosettes.
Although they have a reputation for being hardy, Cryptanthus plants bloom year-round when they are satisfied with their location. The real charm, however, is the foliage.
Depending on the species, it can range from dark green to bright pink and red and can be striped, spotted, or solid. With hundreds of species and cultivars of this genus, the variety is enormous.
- Native Area: Tropical Central America and South America, especially Brazil
- USDA Growing Zones: 10–11; usually grown as houseplants
- Height: 4–10 inches
- Sun Exposure: Bright, filtered light or partial shade
Dyckia (Dyckia spp.)
The genus Dyckia includes around 120 species native to Brazil and surrounding areas, most of which are terrestrial species that do well when potted as houseplants.
They have pointed, thick, fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes, and while they are not true succulents, these bromeliads can survive for long periods without water. The leaves can be yellow, gray, green, or red. In spring they bloom with several red, yellow, or orange flowers on a long, thin stem.
These are among the hardiest of the bromeliads, and many species easily withstand temperatures of 20 degrees or even lower. Therefore, they are often used as outdoor landscape plants in certain climates.
- Native Area: South America, especially Brazil
- USDA Growing Zones: 9–11
- Height: 8–24 inches; varies by species
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
Hechtia Genus (Hechtia spp.)
The genus Hechtia includes about 50 species native to Mexico, where they grow alongside cacti and succulents on rocky slopes. These are among the hardiest of all cultivated plants, and they remain dormant to survive during periods of drought.
The posture has long leaves with pointed spines and arranged in rosettes attached to the ground. Like most types of bromeliads, they bloom once before the plant dies and produce a derived "offspring" along with the parent plant.
For these land plants, which should be placed in a pot of sandy soil, such as a cactus mix, ideal temperatures are 60 to 80 degrees. But they easily survive the falls of the 1920s or hundreds of peaks. They are common features of outdoor landscapes in suitable climates.
- Native Area: Mexico
- USDA Growing Zones: 9–11
- Height: Varies by species
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
This nine genus of bromeliads includes some of the most exotic and beautiful indoor plants you can grow. Your local nursery likely has some of the most popular species of each genus, but for more unusual specimens, shop at online retail stores that specialize in bromeliads.
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