ne 
Companions of Orchids in the tropical forests of 
Central and South America, the Bromeliaceae or 
‘Pineapple’ family is a large group of Epiphytes 
and Terrestrials which include some of the most 
fascinating and striking known ornamentals, that 
will lend themselves admirably as houseplants. 
Notwithstanding their beautiful colors and de- 
signs, this group of plants is amongst the easiest to 
grow. This is because they are altied to Succulents, 
inasmuch as they hold their water supply within a 
natural vase-like center cup, formed by their leaves. 
Their root system, particularly in the epiphytic varie- 
ties, serves—mainly in the older plants—primarily 
as a means of attaching themselves to trees or other 
convenient hosts. In fact, it has been found that as 
long as Bromeliads receive their water through their 
center funnel—they can get along for a long time 
without any roots at all. Bromeliads are therefore 
ideally suited for house decoration, locations in un- 
favorable corners, hanging pots, branches of trees, 
wall pieces, Dishgardens, and table adornment. In 
Europe, Bromeliads have thus been used for decora- 
tion for a hundred years. 
Bromeliads can get along in almost any climatic 
condition, from near freezing to highest room tem- 
perature. Most of them prefer filtered sunlight, 
especially the highly colored types. For a growing 
medium, almost any light and porous material rich 
in humus will be found satisfactory, and peatmoss or 
leafmold with broken pots, sand, charcoal and some 
rough manure added, or Orchid fibre (Osmunda) 
will be ideal. Plants should be kept moist but not 
wet, and fresh water should be permitted to stand in 
their funnels. Occasional feeding with organic ferti- 
lizer, dry or liquid, will prove beneficial. Scale may 
develop, but sponging with soap or scale-oil and 
nicotine followed by forceful syringing with water, 
will keep them clean. 
