Many U.S. gardener cognize bromeliads ( Bromeliaceae ) as container - grown houseplants with strappy , coloured foliage and exotic blooms .
Many U.S. gardeners get it on bromeliads ( Bromeliaceae ) as container - grown houseplant with strappy , colorful foliage and exotic blooms . However , in the pith of the Florida Everglades , aboriginal bromeliads interact with wild tamarind trees ( Lysiloma latilisiliquum ) in a different grow environment , as they take up residence on the receptive tree diagram . The striking sexual union is n’t lost on savvy , warm - climate gardeners . Wild tamarind tree and bromeliads team up in base garden as well .
Understanding Bromeliads
With one thousand of species spanning comeuppance to rainforest , bromeliads live on careen , soil or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Most commonly cultivated bromeliads like those found on wild tamarind are Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - dwelling plant experience as air plant . In aboriginal habitat , their specialized roots hang to tree diagram trunks and arm — taking nothing but support from trees . Epiphytic bromeliads draw their urine and nutrients from strain and wet that pile up between their leaves . The native bromeliad Spanish moss ( Tillandsia usneoides ) flourishes in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 , but many more colored bromeliads require icing - loose USDA zones 10 through 12 .
Taming Wild Tamarind
After finding its way from the West Indies to Florida , groundless tamarind engage hold among the Everglades ' hardwood trees . Hardy from USDA zones 10b through 12 , the tree ’s dense canopy withstands tough weather condition and hard winds . At one time , the extent of its U.S. population was in Florida ’s wild . uprise fleetly and graciously to 50 feet in height and width , it ’s now cultivated for its form and shade . The tree ’s heavy torso can reach 3 feet in diam . Smooth new bark matures into grating , scale - like plate that welcome bromeliad ’s air root . tempestuous tamarind prefers full sun and moist , well - drained , dispirited - nutritious soil . drouth - kind mature tree rarely ask supplemental water system .
Choosing Companions
A successful garden pair with wild tamarindo postulate epiphytic bromeliads . Only epiphytes can exist in the territory - free surroundings provided on tempestuous tamarind tree bark . Native bromeliads — many endangered in the Everglades , but tame by native nurseries — include West Indian tufted airplant ( Guzmania monostachia ) , suit to USDA zona 10 through 11 , and leatherleaf airplant ( Tillandsia variabilis ) , fitting for USDA zone 9b through 11 . These and other species from these two genera cultivate well , offering fragrant flowers and unusual , colorful foliage . Non - native epiphytic bromeliads will be at home on unwarranted tamarind , too .
Making the Match
To find lasting footholds , air plant need groundless tamarind ’s scaly bark . Temporary connections parallel the effect , but lasting fundamental interaction requires more . Wrap the bromeliad ’s base and roots in damp sphagnum moss . Attach the wrapped theme to wild tamarind ’s trunk or limb . expend charge card - coated wire to protect the roots , and tie it so wire removal stay simple . Choose a spot with plentiful luminance , protected from lineal sun . Use a aristocratic hose sprayer to soundly wet the moss and plant , and continue frequent lachrymation so the moss stays dampish . After funding roots acquire and take hold on gaga tamarind , remove the irregular holding wire . Keep the bromeliad hydrated with regular lachrymation throughout the year .
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