Bromeliads (including Tillandsias) are one instrument in the complex rain forest orchestra of the tropical Americas. They are one of many epiphytic (growing on trees) plants that cover the trees with profusion, harmonizing in the symphony of orchids, gesneriads, ferns, succulents and a myriad of other tree dwelling plants. Pollinated by dazzling hummingbirds and providing homes for colorful frogs, snakes and insects, Bromeliads spark the forest with a blaze of color at blooming time to advertise their presence. They have been commercially cultivated in Europe for more than a hundred and fifty years, becoming one of the most popular flowering house plants. Their admirable qualities include easy care (infrequent watering), a long lived "flower" (three months or more), and many vivid colors available (resulting from hybridizing and selective breeding). Over the past twenty years the popularity of these marvelous plants has steadily increased in this country. These exotic looking plants are frequently appearing in movie set designs (Did you see "Medicine Man"?) and are being used extensively by interiorscape designers for long duration color accents. Featured in many home and garden magazines Bromeliads fit perfectly with today's busy lifestyles, providing a living, colorful decoration for home or office without the drudgery of high maintenance.
Tillandsias are one genus of the Bromeliad family that are conspicuously epiphytic. Many are dryer growing than the "vase-type" plants, lending themselves to mounting on wood pieces and shells, adding another dimension to the decorative crafts.
Treeborne Gardens