Those scales protect them from the intense sun and also absorb water and nutrients. These bromeliads need the brightest area of the house. Those with shiny, glossy leaves come from the lower canopy or floor of the rainforest and can tolerate lower light conditions indoors. There are thousands of bromeliads, but four of the easiest to grow and easiest to find are the Tillandsias, Vriesias, Guzmanias and Neoregelias. Tillandsias are for the brighter indoor areas.
Spanish moss is a popular southern Tillandsia.
The more tropical Tillandsias are perfect for growing on an old piece of wood. They are also suitable for containers. My favorite is the Tillandsia cyanea that has a bloom the shape of a fish. Mist Tillandseas grown on tree trunks for their watering needs. The Vriesia is another bromeliad for the brightest indoor areas.