Discovering the Magic of Bromeliads with Sundance Orchids and Blooms in Grace

At Blooms & Grace, we’re passionate about creating vibrant, low-maintenance landscapes that thrive in Southwest Florida’s tropical climate. Part of what makes gardening here so exciting is discovering unique plants that bring both color and character to our outdoor spaces.

Recently, Jim sat down with Elijah Sperlin, owner of Sundance Orchids and Bromeliads, to talk all about one of Florida’s most eye-catching plants — the bromeliad. Whether you’re new to gardening or already love tropical plants, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical bromeliad care tips.

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🌺 Why Everyone Loves Bromeliads

“They’re just so unique,” Elijah shared. “There’s such a huge variety — so many colors, shapes, and sizes.”

What many people don’t realize is that bromeliads belong to the same plant family as pineapples, Spanish moss, and air plants. With between 50 and 70 genera, the bromeliad world is full of surprises. New hybrids are constantly appearing, offering endless choices for home gardeners and Florida landscaping projects alike.

Here in Florida, around 16 species grow beautifully in our warm, humid environment. Popular types include Aechmea, Neoregelia, and Alcantarea, each bringing bold patterns, colorful leaves, and unique textures to your garden.

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🌿 Bromeliad Care Tips: Light, Water, and Placement

If you’re adding bromeliads to your Florida garden design, light is key. “A lot of people think they need full sun all day,” Elijah explains, “but most prefer filtered light or morning sun.” Shaded patios, lanais, and bright indoor spots are all perfect locations.

When planting outdoors, good drainage is essential. “You don’t want them sitting in standing water,” says Elijah. “That’s how you get crown rot.” Raised beds or mounded soil work best, especially during rainy season.

Because most bromeliads are epiphytes, they can grow in all sorts of creative ways — mounted on trees, attached to driftwood, or displayed in decorative pots. This makes them a versatile favorite for both indoor décor and tropical landscapes.

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💧 How to Water Bromeliads

Bromeliads don’t just rely on their roots — they drink water from their central “cup” or “tank.” Keeping a bit of water in this natural reservoir helps them stay healthy and hydrated. It even forms a mini-ecosystem that attracts frogs and small insects, providing natural nutrients to the plant.

Elijah recommends using a slow-release fertilizer around the base. Fast fertilizers can cause colorful bromeliads to turn green, so a gentle, steady feed is best.

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🌱 They Multiply Like Magic

One of the best parts about owning bromeliads is that they keep multiplying! After blooming, each plant produces baby bromeliads, called pups, around its base. Once they reach about one-third to half the size of the mother plant, you can separate and replant them — growing your collection naturally.

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🌴 Creative Ways to Use Bromeliads in Florida Landscaping

From bright garden borders to stunning container arrangements, bromeliads add instant tropical flair. Elijah’s team at Sundance Orchids and Bromeliads even creates “live logs” — driftwood pieces covered in orchids and bromeliads. “They look amazing,” Elijah says. “And as long as you keep water in the cups, they’ll stay alive.”

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🎥 Watch the Full Interview

We loved visiting Sundance Orchids and Bromeliads and learning from Elijah’s experience. His passion for plants is contagious!

👉 Watch the full video interview below to see beautiful examples of bromeliads in bloom and get hands-on advice for your own Florida garden design.