Florida’s Native Bromeliads
We are lucky in Florida to have 16 species of native bromeliads and two natural hybrids. From small and fuzzy to large and impressive, these interesting perennials are often seen perched in trees or laying on the ground after a heavy storm. So, what makes them stand out compared to their soil-bound counterparts?
As epiphytes, Florida’s native bromeliads usually grow on other plants, but they come in peace; bromeliads are not parasites, they just use trees and shrubs for support. Some bromeliads are called “air plants” because they do not require soil and can absorb moisture from the air through their leaves.
While some water can be pulled in through the bromeliad’s roots, these structures are mainly for stability and attachment to another plant. Instead, bromeliads collect water using leaf hairs called “trichomes,” which are adapted to be disc-shaped for better absorption. The trichomes can even absorb nutrients from trapped detritus from plant or animal matter in the leaf axils. Fun fact: the bromeliad genus Tillandsia, which some natives fall into, honors the Swedish botanist Elias Tillandz, ironically for his fear of water.
Of Florida’s 16 native bromeliads, ten are threatened or endangered. These species are at risk because of habitat loss and illegal collection from natural areas. The non-native Mexican weevil (Metamasius callizona) is also a threat to native bromeliads, as its larvae typically kill the plant by tunnelling into its base. Symptoms of infestation include browning or decomposing leaves near the base, with sections of the plant falling away. This pest has spread rapidly in South Florida and is a major concern. Scale and mealybugs can occasionally be a problem as well.
Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) is common in Florida, found throughout all counties. It has curving, narrow leaves that result in a ball-like formation. It is generally 5-7 inches tall and 6-7 inches wide. This species can develop blue to violet flowers on a long central stem (flower spike).
Bartram’s airplant (Tillandsia bartramii) is found in hammocks and pinelands in many parts of Florida. It sports thin, leathery grayish leaves, and is usually 4-12 inches tall. This airplant develops pink to red floral bracts, or modified leaves. It can also produce violet flower spikes.
Broad needleleaf (Tillandsia simulata) is endemic to Florida, meaning it is only native to the state. It thrives in moist hammocks and swamps, usually in areas with a lot of sunlight. It grows 8-16 inches tall with gray, pointed, leathery leaves and reddish floral bracts. It can produce violet flowers on long stems.
Cardinal airplant (Tillandsia fasciculata) has other unique common names, including “quill-leaf airplant” and “dog-drink-water.” It is endangered in Florida and often grows in clusters with long (12-28 inch), stiff leaves. The floral bracts are usually red and the violet flowers can bloom any time of year.
Florida strap airplant (Catopsis floribunda) is endangered in Florida and rare to spot. It prefers humid, shady habitats like cypress swamps and likes to grow on low tree branches. The leaves are bright green, and the plant reaches 28 inches tall. The flowers can be yellow or white.
The cute name of the fuzzywuzzy airplant (Tillandsia pruinosa) is indicative of its white, fuzzy appearance and small stature (up to 10 inches tall). This endangered species is rare in the wild, only sighted in Collier County. It likes shady, humid hammocks and cypress swamps. Fuzzywuzzy airplant has pink floral bracts and can produce violet flowers.
Giant airplant (Tillandsia utriculata) is a large bromeliad that can reach 6-12 feet tall (with its flower spike). This endangered species is experiencing habitat loss in hammocks, cypress swamps and pinelands. It grows green or purple floral bracts and produces white to violet flowers once in its lifetime (monocarpic). This plant can live up to 20 years.
Leatherleaf airplant (Tillandsia variabilis) produces violet flower spikes whose colors vary depending on seasonal levels of light; summer colors are darker than fall. These threatened species can occasionally be found in Florida’s shaded hammocks and cypress swamps. Leatherleaf airplant can reach 12-20 inches tall.
Nodding strap airplant (Catopsis nutans) can only be found in Collier County, in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The leaves are bright green and it has a spreading growth habit. The orange/yellow flowers of this endangered species only open at night. It can reach 12 inches tall.
Northern needleleaf (Tillandsia balbisiana) grows to 28 inches tall with bright red floral bracts and violet flower petals. It’s a threatened species found in pinelands, cypress swamps, mangroves and on shell mounds. Older plants can have twisted and curved leaves that form a ball.
Potbelly airplant (Tillandsia paucifolia) only produces its lavender flowers once in its life. This bromeliad also grows young sprouts called “pups” that feed off the mother plant until they drop off. It produces leathery, pink floral bracts and can grow 4-14 inches tall.
Powdery strap airplant (Catopsis berteroniana) is one of three known carnivorous bromeliads. The slippery powder on its leaf bases can aid in trapping insects. This is an endangered and rare species that can reach 16 inches tall when flowering.
Southern needleleaf (Tillandsia setacea) is common in Florida’s hammocks and swamps. It grows in dense clusters and reaches 12 inches long. The violet flower stalks can bloom in spring.
Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is one of the most common and well-known bromeliads in Florida. It’s abundant on oak trees but can also be found in pineland and brightly exposed areas. The individual plants are 2 inches in size but can hang in chains over 8 feet long. This species historically was used as filling in car seats and mattresses.
Twisted airplant (Tillandsia flexuosa) is found in a few counties in a variety of different habitats. It only flowers once in its lifetime, with a rose or purple bloom on a zigzag flower stalk, and can reproduce vegetatively with pups. It can reach 8-31 inches.
West Indian tufted airplant (Guzmania monostachia) is endangered and only found in Collier, Dade and Monroe counties. It likes to crowd onto a single host tree, with up to 100 individual plants. This species has bright green leaves, sometimes with white stripes, that reach 10-12 inches. It has salmon-colored floral bracts and produces many white flowers.
Keep in mind that it is illegal to collect the endangered and threatened species from their natural habitat. You might notice that some bromeliads, like Spanish moss, might already be growing on your trees. If you wish to obtain native bromeliads for your landscape, check with your local native plant nursery—they might have a few species available. You can also check to see if any bromeliad societies meet in your area.
For more information about planting and caring for bromeliads, reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension office.