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By Angela Mason Foster, Extension Master Gardener

When most people think of houseplants, their minds jump to pothos, snake plants, or perhaps a trusty philodendron. But if you’re looking to add an exotic flair with minimal effort, bromeliads deserve a place in your garden—or even your living room. These colorful, often dramatic plants are surprisingly easy to grow and come in a range of shapes, sizes, and habits that suit both indoor and outdoor gardeners.

A family with flair
Bromeliads are members of the Bromeliaceae family, a diverse group that includes over 3,000 species, ranging from the pineapple (yes, really!) to the silvery Tillandsia, more commonly known as air plants. Native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, bromeliads have adapted to a variety of environments, from lush rainforests to mountainous cloud forests to desert-like areas.

Most gardeners are familiar with bromeliads in the Guzmania, Neoregelia, and Aechmea genera. These tank-type bromeliads form a central rosette of leaves that can hold water like a natural cup. Their brilliant bracts—those vibrant, leaf-like structures we often mistake for flowers—can last several months, offering a reliable splash of color when other plants fade. The true flowers, often tiny and short-lived, emerge from within the bracts.

There are also terrestrial bromeliads such as Dyckia and Cryptanthus, which grow in soil and resemble succulents in appearance and habit. These are often more sun-tolerant and better suited for outdoor containers or landscape use in frost-free areas.

Light, water, and air—oh my!
Despite their exotic appearance, bromeliads are surprisingly undemanding. Indoors, they prefer bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window typically works well. Avoid direct, hot southern light, which can scorch their leaves. Outdoors, they thrive in filtered sunlight or partial shade, depending on the species. Under a tree canopy or on a shaded porch, they feel right at home.

Watering bromeliads involves a unique twist: many varieties take in moisture through their central cup. Keep this “tank” filled with clean, non-chlorinated water, and flush it out weekly to prevent stagnation and mosquito breeding. Water the soil lightly, just enough to keep the roots barely moist, especially for tank types. Terrestrial bromeliads prefer a well-draining mix and dislike soggy feet.

Humidity is key, especially during our drier winter months or if you’re growing indoors with heating systems. A daily mist or a humidity tray can help tropical types stay perky. That said, most bromeliads are fairly forgiving and tolerate a range of household conditions.

A once-in-a-lifetime bloom
One of the quirks of bromeliads is their flowering habit. Most will bloom once in their lifetime, sending up a dramatic spike or rosette of bracts and flowers, then slowly begin to decline. Don’t panic—it’s part of their natural cycle. Before fading, the mother plant will produce offsets or “pups” around its base. These can be gently removed and potted once they’re about one-third to one-half the size of the parent plant, ensuring a never-ending bromeliad legacy.

If your bromeliad refuses to bloom, it might just need time—or a little coaxing. Some gardeners place the plant in a closed bag with an apple for a few days; the ethylene gas released by the fruit can encourage blooming.

Potting and propagation
Bromeliads prefer small pots and well-draining media. A good mix might include orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coconut coir. Avoid traditional potting soil—it holds too much moisture and can smother the roots. If you’re mounting a bromeliad, such as a Tillandsia, consider attaching it to driftwood or cork using wire or hot glue, and mist it regularly.

To propagate pups, use a clean, sharp knife to cut them from the mother plant. Allow the cut surface to dry for a day, then plant in a suitable mix and water sparingly until established.

Outdoor growing in coastal Carolina
Here in Eastern North Carolina, bromeliads make great patio plants in the warmer months and can thrive outdoors from late spring through early fall. Just be mindful of sudden cold snaps—most are not frost-hardy. In zones 9 and warmer, a few species can overwinter outdoors in protected spots, but generally speaking, plan to bring them inside once nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F.

Aechmeas and Neoregelias often do well outside during our humid summers, provided they’re in containers with good drainage and out of direct afternoon sun. Their foliage can add striking texture and color to mixed patio arrangements or hanging baskets.

Pests and problems
Bromeliads are relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract scale, mealybugs, or aphids. Insecticidal soap or neem oil usually does the trick. Overwatering is more common than pest issues—if your plant begins to rot, empty the cup, trim dead tissue, and allow it to dry before resuming care. Good airflow also helps prevent fungal issues.

Bringing the tropics home
Whether you’re tucking one into a container garden, creating a wall of air plants, or brightening up a winter windowsill, bromeliads add intrigue and structure with very little fuss. Their slow growth and dramatic flair make them ideal for gardeners who enjoy bold plants without a high-maintenance care routine.

And while they may look like the divas of the plant world, bromeliads are far from it—offering beauty, resilience, and a bit of the tropics, no passport required.

Further Reading:
Bromeliads for Home and Garden by Jack Kramer
Tropical Plants and How to Love Them by Marianne Willburn
Plant Parenting by Leslie F. Halleck (great propagation advice for all houseplants)

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline
Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources.