In the wild, they sometimes live as epiphytes, seeking better light conditions and ventilation by living on other plants, or they may grow on the ground or on bare rock. The Bromeliaceae is one of the world's most adaptable plant families because of the amazing survival capacity of its species. Bromeliads also come in an infinite variety of forms and color combinations. Today, the bromeliads are divided into over 50 groups called genera. Most of the species of a given genus have similar traits and growth requisites.
Different genera require different ranges of light, water and substrate.
Most bromeliads can be planted in pots, but you may also use tree trunks or tree-fern fibers. The tillandsias, with their grayish leaves, prefer trunks and do not do well in pots. Bromeliads grow in most types of slightly acid, well drained, loose soil, that allow the development of a good root system. Good drainage is very important. Cryptanthus and dyckias grow well in this same mixture with the addition of one part of dirt or ground dried leaves.