After glancing at a few reference books on succulents, it becomes obvious that bromeliads are not nearly as popular as cacti and mesembs. In fact, many books don’t include any bromeliads at all. However, there are some familiar bromeliads; we even had some in our Show and Sale. The most common bromeliad is probably Cryptanthus warasii. It has a rosette of many leaves spiraled around the central axis and could be mistaken for an aloe or agave when it is not on bloom. In fact, succulent bromeliads often resemble agaves, aloes, or haworthias. The leaves of succulent bromeliads are usually armed, often viciously, with teeth along the margins.

Unlike their epiphytic relatives the succulent bromeliads develop a large root system and require good-sized pots in order to grow well. Many of them tolerate full sun. Although they are succulent they require a good deal of water during the growing season. During the winter they are best kept, like other succulents, on the dry side at cooler temperatures. Popular genera include: Abromeitiella, Cryptanthus, Dyckia, and Puya.

More information can be found at the International Bromeliad Society
http://bsi.org/