About Billbergia pyramidalis (Sims) Lindl.
Billbergia pyramidalis (Sims) Lindl. is a perennial, clump-forming, stemless bromeliad. It is highly adaptable, and can grow well as either a terrestrial or epiphytic plant. When growing on the ground, it quickly forms large clumps; when planted at the base of a tree, it will slowly climb the tree trunk. Its leathery, strap-shaped green leaves overlap one another, and are arranged in jar-shaped basal rosettes. The rosette forms a central cup that holds water, organic debris, and insects, which provides extra nutrients the plant can absorb. This species grows naturally in moist, humus-rich soils or composted leaf mould on the ground in humid regions, and also grows on rocks under the shade of forest trees. Its native range includes Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, French Guiana, and the Lesser Antilles. It has been reported to be naturalised in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the Island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. This species requires minimal care in cultivation. It is used as groundcover in partial shade and protected growing positions. It is sensitive to both drought and frost. As an epiphytic species, it can also be grown in tree branches or on tree ferns. A slow-release fertiliser may be applied to the base of the plant in spring. Propagation is done by dividing off immature clumps from the parent plant in spring or autumn. It tolerates growing conditions in USDA zones 10a through 12a, and typically cannot survive temperatures below −1.1 °C.
