Bromeliads have enjoyed a worldwide surge of popularity during the last few decades. Although they are often treated as ephemeral decorations to be discarded after they fade, this need not be so. Bromeliads are easy to grow; you can enjoy their graceful symmetry and flamboyant blooms year round. This booklet willintroduce these fascinating plants to the novice and provide basic cultural information in nontechnical terms. It can also serve as a reference for experienced growers. Bromeliads (broh-MEE-Iee-ads) are a family of about 2500 species native to tropical North and South America. There are also several thousand hybrids and cultivars (cultivated varieties) that have been developed by plant breeders. The commonest growth form is a stemless rosette of leaves. The rosette may be exquisitely symmetrical or twisted and curled into bizarre shapes. The fOliage ranges from shades of solid green to brightly spotted and banded. The inflorescences often flaunt dazzling color combinations as well as fantastic forms.