Science & Nature • Botany

Bromeliad

Bromeliad is the common name for plants in the family Bromeliaceae, a group of mostly tropical and subtropical flowering plants native mainly to the Americas.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bromeliad is the common name for plants in the family Bromeliaceae, a group of mostly tropical and subtropical flowering plants native mainly to the Americas. The family includes pineapples, Spanish moss, and many ornamental houseplants. Most bromeliads are epiphytic or terrestrial, and many form water-holding leaf rosettes called tanks.

Taxonomy and classification

Bromeliads belong to the family Bromeliaceae in the order Poales. The family includes dozens of genera and thousands of species, with current classifications recognizing broad diversity within the group.

Distribution and habitat

Bromeliads are native primarily to the Neotropics, especially tropical North, Central, and South America. Most species occur in warm climates, with one species native to tropical west Africa.

Growth habits and adaptations

Bromeliads may grow on soil, rocks, or other plants. Many epiphytic species absorb water and nutrients from the air and rain, and numerous species have leaf trichomes that help capture moisture.

Uses and notable species

The best-known bromeliad is the pineapple, while Spanish moss and many Guzmania, Aechmea, and Tillandsia species are cultivated as ornamentals. Their colourful bracts and long-lasting foliage make them popular houseplants.

Key facts

Bromeliads are a family of flowering plants in the pineapple family, Bromeliaceae.
They are native mainly to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Many bromeliads are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants without taking nutrients from them.
Several bromeliads form rosettes that hold water in central tanks.
The family includes economically and culturally important plants such as pineapple.

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Canadian context

Bromeliads are commonly grown in Canada as indoor ornamental plants because many species do not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Frequently asked questions

What is a bromeliad?

A bromeliad is a plant in the family Bromeliaceae, which includes pineapples, Spanish moss, and many ornamental tropical plants.

Where are bromeliads native to?

They are native mainly to tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas, with one species found in tropical west Africa.

Are bromeliads epiphytes?

Many are. Epiphytic bromeliads grow on other plants or surfaces for support, but they do not parasitize their host.

Do bromeliads store water?

Many species form a central rosette or tank that collects water, rain, and organic debris.

Is pineapple a bromeliad?

Yes. Pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family, Bromeliaceae.

References

Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromeliad
Supports: Bromeliads as a plant family, pineapple and ornamental examples, and native range.
Rainforest Alliance — https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/species/bromeliad/
Supports: Species richness, habitats, epiphytic growth, native range, and tank ecology.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension — https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bromeliads/
Supports: Family classification, native range, epiphytes, houseplant use, and growth form.
Clemson University Home & Garden Information Center — https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bromeliads/
Supports: Epiphytic and terrestrial growth, tank rosettes, and ornamental use.
Botanic Gardens of Sydney — https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-names-and-classifications/bromeliads
Supports: Native range, trichomes, species richness, and conservation notes.