There are some Bromeliads which can handle full sun… but they only tolerate this condition, it’s not always ideal. All Bromeliads prefer some mid day shade. However, if you’re planting in full sun here’s some tips to maintain the quality.

• 
  When possible plant during the cooler months (October to April) is best. This will give the Bromeliad time to acclimate to the hot summer sun. Planting during the summer months can cause bleached or burned foliage.
• Avoid planting near asphalt, white painted walls or over decorative "white" chips.
• Use mulch minimally… no more than one inch deep.
• Do not fertilize heavily in full sun, this will cause tender growth to burn easily.

Walking through most garden centers which carry any variety of house plants you should see an assortment of Bromeliads. The more popular varieties of Aechmea, Guzmania and Vriesea (VREE-zee-uh). Most of these varieties can find a nice place to set up stop in a home an brighten up any room.

We "limit" the size of these house plants assuming they can only be used indoors. With Bromeliads… that simply is not the case. There are varieties you’ll most likely never find in any garden center. One nice feature of the south Florida climate gives landscapers the opportunity to use a whole "class" of Bromeliads outdoors in the landscape.

These "landscape" Bromeliads can become hugh… think the size of the hood of your car! Just like their smaller cousins that brighten a room indoors they do the same for the landscape.

Here’s a species named - Alcanterea Imperialis… large in size, big on color and a "flower" which can only be described as "wild." Enjoy…

Image courtesy Bullis Bromeliads Miami, Florida.

To maintain the right balance Bromeliads and other house plants need the right amount of "food" just like people.

Notice from the picture the plant on the left shows "tall gangly growth."

This is caused from excessive fertilizer which produces the long curved leaves on the Aechmea fasciata.

The Aechmea plant on the right received the correct  amount of fertilizer shown by its more attractive, healthy appearance and proper form.