Whether it is an exposed space in an outdoor landscape or a sunny kitchen window, here are some bromeliads that will flourish in those environments. The variegation becomes more pronounced when the plant is exposed to full sun. ), TO ALL MEMBERS: Please keep an eye on your own plants, and let me know in the spring how they have fared for a follow-up article. It usually grows on the ground in full or partial sun. Large growing Bromeliads that add impact to your landscape. Neoregelia tigrina Their long-lasting blooms are available in … A truly spectacular bromeliad which performs best when grown in full sun. Many bromeliads that are planted in outdoor landscapes will not require watering beyond the typical rainfall. Leaves are held in a thin, upright vase. Dyckia, a bromeliad that thrives in full sun. There are many bromeliads which grow in full sun. WATER when the soil’s surface has nearly dried out. Sudden changes, length of sunny periods and humidity can also cause problems, even for well-established plants. The absolute best bromeliad for full sun in south florida is achemea blanchetiana followed by alcantera imperialis. They can often be treated as succulents. It has small bright red leaves that increase in intensity with more sun exposure. Aechmea distichantha var. This plant generates pups on long stolons and should be treated as an epiphyte. Hohenbergia castellanosii has very broad, long, thick leaves. If they're going to be in full sun from sunrise to sunset, get them established in the winter. On saying that, however, there are some species of Alcantarea that will tolerate reasonable frost in open positions. Orthophytum gurkenii Bromeliads do best in Zone 10. . The experts pointed out that most plants that have gone through this year's weather extremes without sunburn had the advantage of being planted in cooler months, thus giving them time to become acclimated. And don't forget Tillandsia usneoides! Minerva. Required fields are marked *. Most Dyckias and Hechtias (they'll require more frequent watering). When the plant is flowering it will become bright red in the center. Aechmea aquilega The Best Bromeliads for Outdoor Landscapes. Soak the potting medium thoroughly and allow the water to drain out. Large even as an individual plant, side-shoots soon increase the overall mass of the bromeliad colony. You can, however, acclimate your bromeliads to brighter levels of light. For specific information, research the types of bromeliad that you plan to grow. It produces a yellow flower on red inflorescence that eventually matures to produce purple berries. What are your favorite sunshine loving bromeliads? Portea petropolitana (both var. Most bromeliads are native to tropical areas and as a result are often grown as indoor plants. It's a big, tough plant with upright form, and wide green leaves that turn fiery red from the tips down as it gets more sun. Most of the terrestrial bromeliads will grow in the sun. Acanthostachys strobilacea is a small plant that has skinny, floppy leaves. Light levels that are too low for the variety will lead to leaves that are long, thin, and greener i… Depending on variety, these plants will grow as low as 6 inches or as tall as several feet. Steve Correale, who grows and sells tillandsias, suggests the following for the full-sun treatment: In their natural habitats, bromeliads grow in the full range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. Aechmea mexicana (also the albomarginated form) The light green leaves are marked with black and maroon stripes. Aechmea mulfordii Aechmea 'Little Harv' It is a little plant that bears offshoots on stolons. Aechmea ‘Black Chantinii’ has dark black foliage primarily on the undersides of the leaves. This plant boasts broad, leathery, apricot colored leaves. Therefore, they are not adapted to being exposed to direct sunlight. In our garden, there is one bromeliad that is a clear winner in the full-sun category: Hohenbergia castellanosii. The main thing to consider when choosing a bromeliad is the amount of light your spot receives. However, you may not get the best color or the healthiest bromeliad if it is located in the wrong setting. Aechmea ornata Giant bromeliads. Neoregelia bahiana growing bromeliads indoors Bromeliads make great low-maintenance indoor plants as they don't require much sun and only need to be watered about once a week when kept indoors. This pineapple plant can grow indoors or outdoors. Aechmea blanchetiana The strobilacea is cold hardy, meaning it can handle a few dips into the twenties. They are not parasitic but simply use the structures as perches from which to gather sun and moisture. Alcantarea imperialis is a giant bromeliad. Neoregelia macwilliamsii The wide leaves are sword shaped or scoop-like and grow around a central “cup.” This cup catches water in the plant’s habitat. While variegated bromeliads prefer direct sunlight, there are others that are naturally used to growing under a tree canopy where there is partial sun and shade e.g. Eventually, the entire leaf will blush red as the plant comes into bloom. Neoregelia compacta Even desert species growing in full sun encounter a humid atmosphere at night. MP. In the full sun, the leaves become orange with red tips and highlights. The form of these little flowers resembles a pineapple. Aechmea recurvata var. Will grow to 1m width and 1m height in pot or garden. Bromeliads are members of the Bromeliaceae plant family. It has very broad, long, thick leaves that can reach up to four feet tall. Moisture may drop below this in winter in homes in temperate climates. Aechmea bromeliifolia Watch you bromeliads closely because some may not adjust well to the change. Keep the cup full, but flush it often so the water doesn’t stagnate. Orthophytum rubrum. Orthophytum navioides Quesnelia testudo Aechmea phanerophlebia Aechmea orlandiana is a unique bromeliad. It is relatively easy and some plants grow very quickly. Slowly increase the amount of exposure to direct light each day. One of … Sun-Loving types are members of the family,”Billbergia”, “Bromelia”, “Hohenbergia”, “Portea”, “Quesnelia”, “Neoregelia”, “Aechmea”, and “Vriesea”. Quesnelia lateralis is known for its stunning flower. Tillandsia ionatha is a popular air plant. Neoregelia sarmentosa “Full Sun Varieties” Bullis Bromeliads. Tillandsia fasciculata, capitata, chiapensis, streptophylla, xerographica, concolor, tricholepis, bulbosa, caput-medusae, ionantha (all forms), stricta, vernicosa, disticha, didisticha. This plant cannot be grown in potting medium and should be mounted on a substrate such as driftwood or cork. Care and Culture, Growing Outdoors. Androlepis skinneri Wittrockia superba. The rosette is an upright tube shape and the leaves are lined with small spikes. Alcantarea vinicolor (tougher than imperialis) The plants come in a variety of colors including red, maroon, green, brown and black. Bromeliads come from a wide range of environments, from areas with deep shade to full sun, so chances are good that you can find one suitable for your site. Bromeliads boast patterned, striped and mottled foliage that provides year-round interest, and they are also hardy. As bromedliads love humidity, be sure to keep them away from air conditioning and cold draughts and mist with a spray bottle every couple of days. These plants usually have stiff leaves with very sharp spines. However, you may not get the best... WATERING NEEDS. Neoregelia Bromeliads in Full Sun? Don’t water again until the potting medium is dry several inches down. Aechmea castelnavii As with other genera, if your tillandsias have been growing in the shade, move them to direct sun in the fall or winter. Typically bromeliads that produce bright colors are encouraged by bright sunshine. In our garden, there is one bromeliad that is a clear winner in the full-sun category: Hohenbergia castellanosii. The Tillandsia ionatha is only a few inches tall and wide, but it can form large clumps very quickly. This is a large plant with thick, broad leaves that are edged with sharp spines. Brown spots on the leaves or the crispy and brown tips on the leaves will indicate that your bromeliad is getting too much light. . Alcantarea imperialis If you’re looking for a brom with wow factor, look out for the Alcantarea. It's a big, tough plant with upright form, and wide green leaves that turn fiery red from the tips down as it gets more sun. Care and Culture, Classification, Growing Indoors, Growing Outdoors. However, grow in full sun to get the best leaf colour and plant shape. There are also several varieties that thrive in cool tropical zones. schlumbergeri I went to several of our members for suggestions, and listed below are their recommendations. The plant blushes bright red when flowering and the purple flowers can last up to six weeks. The sheer size of this plant requires it to be planted outdoors. Bromeliad plants are often epiphytic and cling to trees or other structures. Aechmea lingulata Aechmea rubens Many Neoregelias take full sun here. There are, however, bromeliads that enjoy bright, direct light and will thrive in full sun. Bright artificial light works well for most bromeliad varieties growing indoors. Quite stunning effects can be achieved in landscaping if the right choices are made. The upright nature of the rosette shows off the attractive undersides of the leaves. The short answer is "not always". Depending on the species, these beauties can reach up to 2m high and wide. Ananus bracteatus While the winter was mild, drought conditions combined with sunny days stressed them. Aechmea pectinata The bromeliads that enjoy semi-shade include Neoregelia, Aechmea and … Bigger is always better, especially if you want to make a statement in the garden. Put your Bromeliad in a light place (not in full sun) and water it regularly (into the calyx of the plant) and it will be very happy. Bromeliads do exceptionally well in South Florida’s environment. It also has silver horizontal banding. This process can take several weeks before your bromeliads are ready to endure direct light full time if they have been primarily raised in a lower light level. All Rights Reserved. The weather we've had this year has tried our plants in the extreme. In winter, water every 2-3 weeks. 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