Air Plants & Bromeliads

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BROMELIADS

Aechmea

From the Greek for spear (aichme), most plants of this genus have vase-like forms, from the center of which, "spear-like" flower stalks arise. Leaves are typically long & strap-like, and can be rigidly upright to fountainously reflexed, ranging anywhere from green or silver-blue through yellows, oranges, & reds, depending on the variety. Many have banded patterns. Although each "Mother" plant will flower only once, the flowers are spectacular and can last for many months. After flowering, plants will produce "pups" at the base, whihc will continue the cycle. In general, they like moderate or brightly indirect light. Silver-leaved varieties will tolerate more sun (the pubescent hairs which give them their silver color will naturally shade the leaves). Although naturally epiphytic in their native Central and South America, they are perfectly suited to growing in well drained potting mixes, such as cactus or bonsai soil. The soil should be kept lightly moist, and fresh water should be kept in the "cups" of the plant at all times.


Aechmea blanchetiana	Aechmea 'Del Mar'	Aechmea 'Tangerine'

Ananas (Pineapple)

Native to southern Mexico and Central America, the pineapple is one of the worlds most popular fruits. Technically, what we know as "Pineapple" is not actually a fruit, but is rather a "pseudocarp". It is from this edible structure that flowers are produced. Once cross-pollinated, the "fruit" becomes inedble. It is, however, hybrid crosses from several other related species which herald the stunning varieties cultivated for ornamental purposes. These crosses have yielded intensely colorful & variegated forms, as well as curious miniatures. These will all produce a (primarily inedible) pseudocarp, some with equally fantastic color. Aside from being ridiculously easy to grow houseplants in containers, we find they also make outstanding (if not enigmatic) centerpieces for outdoor combination planters. Pineapples like full sun to dappled shade, and require little in the way of food or water.


Ananas bracteatus 'Rubrifolia'	*NEW for 2012!* Ananas 'Baby Gold'	Ananas 'Mini Me'

Ananas 'Ivory Coast'	Ananas 'Lava Burst'

Billbergia

Billbergia are native to South, and parts of Central America. In their native habitat, they grow as an epiphyte, often attaching themselves to trees with their roots. These roots however, are equally adapted to grow in soil - the preferred method of most people who grow them. Use a bark based mix for the best results. Given this, they are quite easy to grow. They prefer moderate light or part shade. The more humid their environment is, the more sun they can tolerate. Feed rarely, if ever, a weak solution of all purpose plant food - but no more than once or twice a year (foods containing low soluble salts are always the best choice).

Billbergia Hallelujah Billbergia 'Hallejulah'

NEW for 2012! A celebration of color in a fountainous upright form, 'Hallejulah' is aptly named. For the best color, cooler night time temps will do the trick. Allow the soil to dry lightly before watering, and always keep fresh water in the "cup" of the plant. Of course, for those up to the challenge, it can also be grown as an air plant (epiphyte).

Cryptanthus (Earth Stars)

These are, perhaps, amongst the easiest of bromeliads to grow. Native to Brazil, these true terrestirials thrive in moderate, bright but indirect, or filtered light. Although they will tolerate the soil getting dry, it is best to keep them in a range evenly to lightly moist. Althought they enjoy high humidity, they do not require it, and make happy growing mates with African Violets. Cryptanthus and can be quite adaptable to a broad range of growing conditions. Because of this, they are ideal choices for containers, living walls, and a great choice for super-low maintenance terrariums. Many varieties show enhanced color under flourescent light, making them a good choice for indoor culture. For best performance, feed frequently with a very dilute solution (a 25% rate is good) of plant food. The Latin name means "hidden" (crypt) "flower" (anthus). Like many bromeliads, they will flower only once in their life, followed by an offset of "pups".


Cryptanthus 'Black Mystic'	Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Pink Starlight'	Cryptanthus 'Cafe au Lait'

Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Ruby'	Cryptanthus 'Blush'	*NEW for 2012!* Cryptanthus 'Elaine'

Dyckia

Dyckia are native to the rocky soils of central South America, and one of the oldest know bromeliads. As with many of the worlds oldest known plants, they have adapted over time, evolved to be amongst the toughest of plants, and therefor, amongst the easiet to grow. They thrive in high light & well-drained soil. Because of their cultural preferences, they are often classed and grown with succulents, and even cactus. The naturally shiny leaves are ridiculously barbed - so, handle them with care.

Dyckia Cherry Cola Dyckia 'Cherry Cola'

The stunning glossy, mahogany foliage of this rare variety will be most intense in the highest of light, but will survive happily with moderate sun. Dyckias are generous to put out off-sets, or "pups". Left unchecked, they will form dense mats of barbed rosettes, which can be easily (though cautiously) divided. They prefer good drainage, but can be easily grown in common potting mixes, as long as they soil is not kept too wet.

Guzmania

Realted to Tillandsias, these are yet another example of an "air plant" or epiphytic genus that are well suited to growing in containers with potting mix. Upright growing rosettes of glossy green leaves easily and reliably give way to intensely colorful flower bracts in a broad range of hues. These bracts are amazingly long lasting (often for several months), and from them, eventually flower will emerge - simply some "guilding for the lily". Like many bromeliads, each plant will flower only once, but will produce "pups" anxious to repeat the cycle. Guzmania thrive in bright, filtered, or moderate shade, (bright indirect light, indoors). If potted, keep the soil lightly moist to slightly dry, and keep fresh water in the "cups" of the plant. As an epiphyte, they can be mounted, and will benefit with some (unmilled) sphagnum moss packed around the roots, which should be kept moist.

Neoregelia

Although mostly similar in size and form, Neoregelias include nearly 100 known species, and more than 5000 registered hybrids and cultivars, providing one of the broadest ranges of color amongst bromeliads. Natively epiphytic, like many bromeliads, they are extremely east to grow in soil or potting mixes. They perform best in bright or moderate shade, but some can adapt to higher light conditions. Because of their colors and adaptability, we've come to prize them not only as stand alone speciments, but exhilaratingly stunning accents in mixed containers. Flush the "cups" with fresh water frequently, and feed sparingly. As an epiphyte, they can be mounted, and will benefit with some (unmilled) sphagnum moss packed around the roots, which should be kept moist.


*NEW for 2012!* Neoregelia 'Aztec'	*NEW for 2012!* Neoregelia 'Barcelona'	*NEW for 2012!* Neoregelia 'Margaret'

Neoregelia 'Super Fireball'	Neoregelia 'Ardie'	Neoregelia 'Tangerine Twist'

Tillandsia

Tillandsia cyanea

While Tillandsia is a large genus of broadly varied plants, this is the only species of Tillandsia that will tolerate being potted in soil, where it will typically thrive with fairly little care. Native to Ecuador, this epiphytic plant is also known as "Pink Quill" for its pronouced flower bract which lasts for months. From the bract, short-lived violet-blue flowers emerge, usually one or two at a time. Cyaneas like moderate, filtered, or bright indirect light, but will tolerate more sun if humidity is high enough. Keep the soil lightly moist, but not overly wet. They benefit from misting, especially if the air is dry. These plants are very well suited to terrariums. It is one of only a few bromeliads that should be grown in soil, rather than as an epiphyte.

Vriesea


Vriesea spp.	Vriesea 'Tiffany'	Vriesea 'Flaming Sword'

Vriesea 'Vogue'	Vriesea 'Mint Julip'	*NEW for 2012!* Vriesea 'Sherlette'

EPIPHYTES (Air Plants)

Platycerium - Epiphytic Ferns (Staghorn Fern)


Platycerium b. 'Netherlands'	Platicerium bifurcatum	Platycerium vetchii 'Lemoinei'

Tillandsia - Epiphytic Bromeliads


Tillandsia usenoides (Spanish Moss)	Tillandsia bulbosa 'Guatemalan'	Tillandsia xerographica

Tillandsia capitata 'Select'	Tillandsia funkiana	Tillandsia capitata 'Peach'

Tillandsia Hybrid	Tillandsia bulbosa 'Belize'	Tillandsia argentea 'Thin' (T. fuchsoides gracilis)

Tillandsia caput 'Medusae'	Tillandsia brachycaulos 'Spiral'	Tillandsia fasciculata 'Hondurensis'

Tillandsia ionantha 'Fuego'	Tillandsia stricta 'Soft Leaf'	Tillandsia ionantha

Tillandsia streptophylla	Tillandsia Hybrid	Tillandsia velutina

Tillandsia balbisiana	Tillandsia duratii (Fragrant!)	Tillandsia Hybrid