How to Grow Bromeliads in a Tree

Bromeliads are available in pink, white, yellow, orange and red.

Often referred to as "amazing air plants," bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) are part of the monocot family of plants. Bromeliaceae is divided into sub-families; Bromelioideae, Pitcairnioideae and Tillandsioideae.There are more than 3,200 different species in the monocot family, native to the tropical Americas; 1,500 of this number are only found in the United States. Very few species are native to the American sub-tropics, however most species of bromeliads grow very well in U.S. Hardiness Zones 9 to 12. Inexpensive and easy to cultivate, bromeliads add splashes of color and visual interest to the country or urban garden. Bromeliads are especially attractive when hung at eye level in landscape accent trees.

Things You'll Need

• Clear nylon line
• Liquid nails

Instructions

1. 

   Tiny tillandsias can be added to planters or hung from wire on a tree branch.

   Enjoy determining which bromeliads to introduce into your home garden. There are so many different and unusual species available online or from landscape nurseries, it is difficult to decide. Bromeliads grow in deserts and rainforests; from sea level to altitudes of 14,000 feet. You can select the commercial, edible pineapple (Ananas comosus) or add vivid color with one of the hundreds of varieties of Aechmea.

2. Select healthy, vibrant plants with strong root structures and no limp leaves.

3. Place the bromeliad in the fork of a tree branch. Securely tie the roots to the tree with clear fishing line. Be careful not to pull the line too tight to prevent it from cutting into the bromeliad root or the tree branch. Tuck in a handful of landscape moss around the root to cover up the nylon line. Mist with clear water. Bromeliads prefer a moist, warm environment. In dry weather, mist or spray lightly with a garden hose daily.

4. Create driftwood hangers for your bromeliads. Select a piece of freshwater driftwood. Do not use driftwood that has been in the ocean. The salt will leach out and damage the plant. Attach a hanger to the back or top of the driftwood piece. Attach the bromeliad to the driftwood with clear nylon line covered by garden moss. If you prefer, you may attach the bromeliad using a dab of carpenter's adhesive (liquid nails). Place a small amount on the root and a 1/2-inch dab on the driftwood. The glue will not hurt the plant, and the roots will grow through or around the adhesive. Cover the adhesive with a bit of garden moss. If desired, also attach a few low-growing sedum plants to highlight your bromeliad specimen.

   Use chain or heavy wire to hang your driftwood arrangement from a sturdy tree limb.

5. String tiny tillandsias on nylon line and hang from tree branches. Simply loop the cord around the base of the plant and hang. Multiple plants may be hung from the same line.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber garden gloves when handing bromeliads. Insects make their home inside the plant, and you do not want to surprise a centipede.

References

• Bromeliad Society International: Welcome
• University of Florida Extension: Bromeliads

Resources

• Bromeliad Plant Care Information: Bromeliad Classification Overview