Aechmea (EEK-me-uh or ECK-mee-uh): These are all epiphytic, tank-forming bromeliads. The flowers have colorful bracts that hold their color for several weeks to several months. Many aechmeas also have red or blue berry-like fruit. Most aechmeas prefer bright light and form large colonies of plants.
Biillbergia (bill-BUR-gee-uh): These bromeliads form narrow, vase-shaped plants. It is important not to over-fertilize billbergias, otherwise the foliage will become too lanky and lose its nice vase shape.
Cryptanthus (crip-TAN-thus): These bromeliads are called earth stars because of their shape. They do well in indirect light. These plants are true terrestrials (plants growing in soil) and do not absorb water through their leaves.
Dyckia (DICK-ee-uh): These are desert plants with vicious spines. Most are covered with scales that give them a gray to silvery-white appearance. They need high light and can survive with little water—although they love a good watering.
Guzmania (guhz-MAIN-ee-uh or gooz-MAHN-ee-uh): Nearly all of these bromeliads have dark, shiny leaves and are tank-forming plants. These plants thrive in the shade and do not tolerate extremes of temperature (cold or hot). They are grown for their beautiful inflorescence (the flowering part of the plant) that remains for many months.
Neoregelia (KNEE-oh-reh-GEE-lee-uh): This genus does not have showy flowers, but compensates with exceptional foliage. In many plants the inner circle of leaves turns a brilliant red or pink. Do not over fertilize this plant, or the foliage will remain green. Neoregelias require good light to look their best.
Tillandsia (till-AND-see-uh): Most of these bromeliads are found in arid environments and have silvery-grey foliage. They should be watered by drenching—the frequency depends on the species.
Vriesea (VREE-see-uh or VREE-zhuh): These plants have a showy sword-shaped flowering spike that lasts for months. Most vrieseas are tank bromeliads with soft, shiny green leaves. They are adaptable, growing in high light to fairly deep shade.
Here are some great tips for growing and caring for your bromeliads.
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