Bromeliads

This colorful group of jungle natives happen to love artificial light, making them perfect for the home or office. Most bromeliads bloom once a year if the climate is sufficiently warm and moist. Many varieties, such as the Amazonian zebra plant, pictured at left, and the neoregelia tricolor, second from right, have striking foliage all year round. Follow these tips for healthy plants:

■ Make sure that your plant has good drainage and don’t overwater it; bromeliads have tiny root systems and are easily drowned.

■ Mist the leaves in the summer and water every one to two months from above, filling the vase-like structure in the center of the plant to simulate rainfall.

■ Keep the soil moist but not wet.