Neoregelia 'Puppy Luv'

Bromeliads are a family of plants that manage to circumvent one of the basic tenets of the plant kingdom: the absorption of water and nutrients through roots. Rather, bromeliads (with the exception of one species, Tillandsia cyanea,) take in these vital compounds through trichomes that cover their leaves. Trichomes often appear as a grayish fuzz on the surface of the foliage. Tillandsias, billbergias, cryptanthus, and neoregelias are a few of the major genera.

The diversity of this family was on display at the Bromeliad Society of Greater Chicago's show and sale, which took place last Saturday at the Chicago Botanic Garden as part of their American Flower Show Series. Spiky tillandsias, cactus-like dyckias, and voluminous neoregelias with mottled, variegated leaves showed the range of shapes, habits and colors to be found among these plants. Also apparent were the creative possibilities that come with plants that don't require soil: conch shells, driftwood, drinking glasses and a wreath were just some of the "containers" for various bromeliads. Since these plants only need to be spritzed with water once or twice a week, and occasionally with fertilizer, they escape the constraints of a pot, or even of having to rest on a flat surface.

Tillandsias (including Spanish Moss) mounted on a natural twig wreath

Nearly all bromeliads are native to the tropical areas of North, Central, and South America, where they grow attached to trees. If given moderate light and the aforementioned spritzing, they can survive in most household settings. The grayer and stiffer the leaves, the higher the light requirements. But proceed with caution, I was warned by the members of the BSGC, because they can become addicting.

—Rose Rankin