Bromelain Plants

Natural Habitat

• The plants grow in a wide range of habitats according to plant types. Terrestrials grow naturally in the ground like most other plants. These bromeliads grow on sandy beaches and as understory plants in forests. The saxicolous bromeliads grow on rocks with their roots growing through the cracks in the rocks. The epiphytic bromeliads grow on other plants such as shrubs, trees and even cacti. Epiphytic bromeliads absorb nutrition and moisture from air and are often called air plants.

Distinct Features

• Though bromeliads differ greatly in size, color and form, many are recognized by their long stiff leaves growing in a rosette structure. The often red, brown or white variegated foliage has sharp spines on the edges and the leaves overlap at the base. This gives the plant a distinct basket-like appearance. The cup-like bases collect water for up to many months and help to sustain plants. Some larger bromeliads can hold up to 12 gallons of water, according to Richard T. Corlett and Richard B. Primack in "Tropical Rain Forests."

Cultural Requirements

• Use a well-drained acidic soil for growing bromeliads. A regular potting soil is not recommended as it tends to retain too much water, making plants susceptible to root rot. Growing media for bromeliads includes humus, charcoal, perlite, orchid bark, peat, lava rock or sphagnum moss. Use plastic pots for potted plants. Keep soil moist but not wet. The amount of light for bromeliads differs by variety.

Propagation

• Propagating bromeliads is easy with the small baby plants -- referred to as pups -- that grow at the sides of the mother plant. The mother plant produces the pups right after blooming and then dies. Once the pups are well rooted, separate and grow them into new plants. Though the plants also produce seeds, this is not the preferred method of propagation. Seed propagation is also not as easy as using pups.