Many bromeliads are epiphytic plants (air plants), which attach themselves to tree trunks or fallen logs, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air. When grown as houseplants, they can be mounted on pieces of bark or potted in a growing medium consisting mostly of bark chips and peat moss. Other popular bromeliad houseplants are terrestrial species that can be grown in ordinary potting mix. Still others are more like desert succulents, requiring a sandy, porous potting mix, such as cactus potting soil. Bromeliads are tolerant of low light; can be watered from overhead into their central cups; and feature ornamental foliage and beautiful, if infrequent, flowers. Though quite spectacular plants, most are remarkably easy to grow. Although many bromeliads favor shady areas in their native areas, when grown indoors, most need ​relatively bright locations, such as in front of a window. Most also need relatively humid conditions, which can be a challenge when grown indoors in dry winter months. Keeping the pot in a saucer of consistently wet gravel can help. Here are nine categories of bromeliad plants ideal for indoor growing.

Native Area: Subtropical North America, Central America, and South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 10–11; usually grown as houseplantsHeight: Varies by speciesSun Exposure: Bright, indirect light; provide shade when grown outdoors

Native Area: Subtropical North America, Central America, and South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 10–11; usually grown as houseplantsHeight: Varies by species; most grow to about 24 inchesSun Exposure: Bright, indirect light

Native Area: Subtropical North America, Central America, and South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 9–10; usually grown as houseplantsHeight: Varies by species; most are less than 1 footSun Exposure: Bright, indirect light

Native Area: Subtropical North America, Central America, and South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 10–11; usually grown as houseplantsHeight: Varies by speciesSun Exposure: Bright, indirect light

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Native Area: Southern United States to southern South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 11; usually grown as houseplantsHeight: Varies by speciesSun Exposure: Bright, indirect light

Native Area: Mexico, Central America, BrazilUSDA Growing Zones: 10–11; some species tolerate brief frostHeight: Varies by speciesSun Exposure: Bright, indirect light

Native Area: Tropical Central America and South America, especially BrazilUSDA Growing Zones: 10–11; usually grown as houseplantsHeight: 4–10 inchesSun Exposure: Bright, filtered light or partial shade

Native Area: South America, especially BrazilUSDA Growing Zones: 9–11Height: 8–24 inches; varies by speciesSun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade

Native Area: MexicoUSDA Growing Zones: 9–11Height: Varies by speciesSun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade