Bring the beauty of the tropics into your home with a gorgeous bromeliad! From the vibrant Aechmea to the dependable Neoregelia, there are countless varieties to choose from. Bromeliads are a diverse and stunning group of plants that offer a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. But don’t get confused.

Here I will cover 13 types of bromeliads, each one in further detail and look at their unique characteristics and features so that you can make an informed decision about which type of Bromeliad is best for you.

Table of Contents

13 Beautiful Varieties of Bromeliads You Can Grow

A Bromeliad is an incredibly diverse and beautiful plant that makes a wonderful addition to any garden. With so many varieties to choose from, there is something for everyone. Here are 13 beautiful varieties of Bromeliads worth exploring:

1. Guzmania

One of the popular genus of Bromeliad is Guzmania. They are native to Central and South America and are known for their brightly colored bracts, which can be red, orange, yellow, or pink. These bracts are often mistaken for flowers but are actually modified leaves.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11.
Size: 3 feet in height and 2 feet wide.

Flower Colors: Maroon, pink, deep red, yellow, orange, or a combination of these colors.
Pot Size Require: 4 to 6 inches perfect.
Bloom Duration: 2 to 4 months.

Lifespan: 2 to five years.
Ideal Growing Temperature: 55-90ºF (12-32ºC)
Species: More than 120.

Best features: These plants are very easy to care for and will thrive in any room in your home. They are also a great addition to any terrarium, as they require little maintenance and will add a pop of color to the space. Plus, their long-lasting blooms make them a great choice for any home or office.

2. Tillandsia

These types of Bromeliads are native to Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. Unlike other Bromeliads, Tillandsia doesn’t need soil to grow. They are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants and trees, which is why they are also known as air plants. They are typically small and make for a unique addition to your home.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 11.

Size: Tiny as 2 inches to 7 feet.
Flower Colors: Red, pink, purple, or yellow.
Pot Size Require: Not required.

Bloom Duration: Several weeks to 4 months.
Lifespan: 2 to 5 years.
Ideal Growing Temperature: 50-90ºF (10-32ºC)

Species: 650.

Best features: Tillandsia is the perfect plant for those who don’t have a green thumb. They don’t require much maintenance and can survive conditions other plants cannot. Plus, they look great in hanging baskets or on shelves or tables.

3. Aechmea

This genus of Bromeliad is native to Central and South America. Aechmeas are known for their large and colorful rosettes; the leaves come in shades of green, red, or purple. They also produce small yellow or white flowers surrounded by a bract in shades of pink, orange, or red.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11.
Size: 2 feet in height and 2 feet wide.
Flower Colors: Yellow or white flowers surrounded by bracts in shades of pink, orange, or red.

Pot Size Require: 5 inches is perfect.
Bloom Duration: 2 to 4 months.
Lifespan: 2 to five years.

Ideal Growing Temperature: 65 – 85ºF (18-29ºC)
Species: 250.

Best features: Aechmea is well-loved for its easy care and vibrant foliage. They are perfect for brightening up any room with their eye-catching colors and shapes. They are also drought tolerant, making them perfect for busy gardeners.

4. Neoregelia

These are one of the most popular Bromeliads due to their beautiful foliage. Neoregelia usually has a rosette of thick, leathery leaves in shades of green, red, purple, or yellow. These plants are also known for their stunning flowers that bloom in bright, vibrant shades.

Growing Zones: USDA Growing Zones: 09 to 10
Size: 1 feet in height and 2 feet in width.

Flower Colors: Violate and blue.
Pot Size Require: 4 to 6 inch is.
Bloom Duration: 3 months

Life span: More than 3 Years.
Ideal Growing Temperature: 50-90ºF (10-32ºC).
Species: 116.

Best features: Neoregelia is great for those who want to add a colorful touch to their home or garden. They are also fairly easy to take care of and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

5. Vriesea

It is a type of Bromeliad known for its long, sword-like leaves, often bright green or yellow-green. This plant is also known for its colorful and showy blooms in shades of pink, yellow, and orange.

Growing Zones: USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11

Size: 4 to 5 feet in height and 3 feet in width.
Flower Colors: Red, pink and yellow.
Pot Size Require: 4 to 6 inch is.

Bloom Duration: 3 to 6 months.
Life span: More than 3 Years.
Ideal Growing Temperature: 60-80ºF (15-26ºC).

Species: 257.

Best features: Vriesea is great for those who want to add a tropical feel to their home. They are also fairly low maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

6. Brocchinia

This majestic Brocchinia bromeliad! This South American native will surely bring a touch of the tropics to your home with its tall, spiky foliage reaching up to 3 feet. Adorn your Brocchinia with its small, white flowers that grow along the spike for a one-of-a-kind look.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 09 to 11.
Size: Up to 3 feet tall.
Flower Colors: Small white flowers along a tall spike.

Pot Size Require: 6-inch pot for smaller species, up to 24-inch pot for larger species.
Bloom Duration: Several weeks to months.
Lifespan: Several years.

Ideal Growing Temperature: 60-95ºF (15-35ºC).
Species: Approximately 19 species.

Best features: Brocchinia bromeliads are considered carnivorous plants due to their ability to trap and consume small insects in their “tank” formed by their leaves. This unique feature makes them a standout addition to any garden.

7. Dyckia

If you’re looking for a spiky, low-maintenance plant, look no further than the Dyckia bromeliad! Native to Brazil and Uruguay, this tropical plant loves bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11.
Size: Up to 8 inches in height and 1 foot tall.

Flower Colors: Red, yellow or orange flowers that bloom in the center of the rosette.
Pot Size Require: 8 to 16-inch pot for smaller species, up to 12-inch for larger species.
Bloom Duration: Few months.

Lifespan: 3-5 years.
Ideal Growing Temperature: 40-90ºF (04-32ºC)
Species: Approximately 159 species.

Best features: This cute little Bromeliad, which looks like a cactus, is perfect for your reading table, kitchen, or basin! These tiny rosettes come in all the colors of the rainbow – from red, green, yellow, silver, bronze and purple – so you can mix and match to add a splash of color to your space.

8. Ananas

Bring some tropical paradise into your home with Ananas bromeliads! These vibrant pineapple plants from South America are not only beautiful, but their fruit is edible too.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 11 to 12

Size: 3 to 6 feet in height.
Flower Colors: green, white, pink, or purple.
Pot Size Require: 6 to 8-inch pot for indoor Growing.

Lifespan: Up to 7 years.
Ideal Growing Temperature: 68-86ºF (20-30ºC)
Species: 1 species (Ananas comosus)

Best features: The best aspect of Ananas is. It is the only bromeliad species capable of producing edible fruit.

9. Billbergia

These stunning bromeliads come in lush shrubs and are native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Among the Billbergia genus, the widespread species is the Queen’s Tears, whose beauty is bound to leave you mesmerized.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11.

Size: 8 to 36 inches tall.
Flower Colors: Bright colors such as red, pink, yellow and white.
Pot Size Requirement: 4 to 6 inch pot is perfect.

Bloom Duration: One month.
Lifespan: Up to 3 years
Ideal Growing Temperature: 55-85ºF (12-29ºC)

Species: Over 62 species.

Best features: Billbergia plants are known for their impressive drought tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. As a bonus, they are pretty easy to care for and propagate and are adaptable to a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade.

10. Cryptanthuses

Cryptanthuses plants are commonly referred to as Earth Stars and are one of the most popular bromeliad genera. They are native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil and are known for their stunning foliage ranging from bright green to deep purple.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11.
Size: They can be tiny as 3 inches to 12 inches in height.
Flower Colors: Dark green, pink and red.

Pot Size Requirement: 4 to 6 inch pot is perfect.
Bloom Duration: A few weeks to a Month.
Lifespan: Up to 3 years

Ideal Growing Temperature: 60-85ºF (15-29ºC)
Species: Over 61 species.

Best features: Cryptanthus plants are low maintenance, easy to care for, and perfect for terrariums. They also come in various colors and textures, making them an excellent choice for adding visual interest to your home.

11. Alcantarea Imperialis

These magnificent bromeliads have huge, arching leaves and bright, showy flower clusters. Their foliage is a deep purple-green, making them an excellent choice for adding striking color to your garden.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11.
Size: Up to 5 feet tall.

Flower Colors: Red and purple.
Pot Size Requirement: Not required.
Bloom Duration: 12 Months.

Lifespan: Up to 20 years.
Ideal Growing Temperature: 50-75ºF (10-23ºC).
Species: Overall, 8 species.

Best features: Alcantarea is a sight to behold with its lush foliage, mesmerizing colors, and show-stopping flower spikes that attract wildlife of all kinds. Best of all, it’s low-maintenance and can adapt to any environment.

12. Nidularium

Nidularium Bromeliad is known for its brightly colored flowers and foliage. The leaves are often marked with stripes or spots.

Growing Zone: USDA Growing Zones: 14 to 15.

Size: Up to 1 feet long and 2 feet wide.
Flower Colors: Reddish-orange bracts frame the white flowers.
Pot Size Requirement: 5 to 6 inch pot is ideal.

Bloom Duration: Almost 6 months.
Lifespan: 3 to 4 years.
Ideal Growing Temperature: 64-77ºF (17-25ºC).

Species: Over 45 species.

Best features: The Nidularium is easy to care-for Bromeliad, an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. It has many attractive features, such as its large size, spectacular foliage form and color, showy flower spikes that attract birds and insects, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to different environments.

13. Quesnelia

These Bromeliads are native to Brazil and are characterized by their bright, colorful foliage. Quesnelia plants are known for their bright orange and yellow foliage, which can be pretty striking. They also feature beautiful flowers that come in shades of pink and yellow.

Growing Zones: USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
Size: 1 to feet in height and 3 feet in width.
Flower Colors: Vibrant pink bracts with blue flowers.

Pot Size Require: 4 to 6 inch is.
Bloom Duration: A couple of months.
Life span: More than 3 Years.

Ideal Growing Temperature: 65-90ºF (18-32ºC).
Species: 24.

Best features: Quesnelia plants are a great addition to any garden or home. They are easy to care for and striking due to their bright and vibrant foliage. They also have a long lifespan, making them an excellent investment for your garden.

Conclusion

Bromeliads are an incredibly diverse and beautiful family of plants that offer a wide range of colors, textures, and shapes. From the stunning Guzmania with its brightly colored bracts to the unique cup-shaped rosettes of Nidularium, each species of Bromeliad has its own unique features and care requirements.

These plants are relatively easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors, making them a great addition to any garden or home. With so many species to choose from, bromeliads offer endless possibilities for adding color and interest to your space.

Resources:

https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/floriculture/pdfs/crop_production/bromeliads.pdf
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW205
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6662323/

13 Types Of Bromeliads To Consider Growing