Family: Bromeliaceae

This genus of plants belongs to the bromeliad family of the West Indies and tropical America. The stiff leaves are edged with sharp, mostly hooked, spines and form basal rosettes from which the dense sprays of fleshy, three-petalled flowers arise. The bracts are usually bright red and the fruit is a yellow to orange coloured berry. A number of cultivars with variegated foliage have been developed.

Species

B. balansae has very sharp spines on its stiff, gray-green leaves, which grow to 1.4 m (5 ft) in length. Some of these leaves in the center of the plant turn red during flowering. A spike of violet flowers is produced in summer.

B. pinguin has narrow, light green leaves about 2 m (6 ft) long. White, pink or reddish coloured flowers are borne in a short, mealy panicle. The fruit of the species is edible.

B. serra has grayish-green leaves to 1.4 m (5 ft) long which turn pink, and a spike of blue-purple flowers and bright red bracts.

Cultivation

Except in the warmest areas bromelias need to be grown in a warm greenhouse or conservatory. Alternatively, they make good house plants. A humid atmosphere is needed for healthy growth. Grow in pots of soilless potting compost (a special bromeliad compost may be available). Grow plants in the smallest possible containers as they dislike over-potting. Water well in the growing season but keep drier in winter. Provide bright light but shade the plants from direct sun.

Climate

Only grown outdoors in the subtropics and tropics.