Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Aechmea fasciata pups- how long until rooted?, 1 by digital_dave

digital_dave wrote:
In nature, the roots are only for physically anchoring the plants in trees. Bromeliad roots are wirey and tough. The leaves are highly adapted to absorb both water, nutrients, and CO2. The Tillandsias, the most highly specialized epiphytic plants have very noticible trichome scales that absorb moisture from the air while minimizing moisture loss during the day. Tillandsia purpurea, for example, is the only plant that routinely survives in the Atacama desert region of coastal northern Chile, considered by many as the driest place on earth. Tillandsia duratii, one of my favorites, is typical of the atmospheric Tillandsias with its very scurfy leaves (see close-up picture). The more typical tank-type Bromeliads grow in much wetter conditions and don't need as specialized leaves. Nevertheless, most Bromeliads are epiphytic as opposed to terrestrial. The most notable exceptions are the Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and a number of the xeric Hectias, Dyckias, and Puyas.

All that said, Bromeliads (except for the atmospheric Tillandsias) generally do better in cultivation in pots. Their root systems adapt so well to water and nutrient uptake that they don't have to have super high humidity (although most of them certainly prefer it).
Dave.