Bromeliad can withstand a variety of climates

The sun-grown bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) is a family of monocot flowering plants with about 3,475 known species It is found through the subtropics of America and West Africa and throughout South America In the United States, they are found in Virginia, Florida, Texas and Arizona The plant is uniquely adapted to withstand a wide variety of climates due to its unique ability to accumulate water between its succulent leaves, while at the same time providing aquatic habitats for a wide array of invertebrates This in turn nourishes the plant with organic material for the plant to thrive

The bromeliad is found in areas where humidity is high and can thrive in conditions from full shade to full sun The species of bromeliad that does best in the Florida climate are the sun varieties that include bromeliad imperialis (Alcantarea imperialis) and bromeliad petra (Neoregelia petra)

The Alcantarea imperialis is considered the signature species among the 20 or so in the Vriesea genus This variety is characterized by its large form with the ability to grow to a massive 5 feet across with a flower spike that can reach over 6 feet tall, although it could take 10 years or longer to achieve that impressive size Originating in Brazil, the species has leaves with a blueish-green top and a maroon bottom, giving it a beautiful contrast of colors The imperialis takes three to 10 years to bloom a beautiful spike of small white flowers numbering in the hundreds, making it one of the most striking bromeliads in the tropical landscape It was popularized by Robert Burle-Marx, the famous Brazilian landscape architect

The petra variety of bromeliad is a smaller variety compared to the imperialis and is characterized by deep bright reds and oranges This variety of sun bromeliad thrives in full sun Described as tough by many bromeliad growers, it has the ability to handle a few frosts Petra’s bright leaves increase in intensity with direct sun exposure This variety also makes a great groundcover due to its ability to create offshoots on its stolons, making it easy to create a mass planting of gorgeous color Adding groups of petra bromeliads will add intense bright colors to any native plant garden on Sanibel

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-395-5859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

Items available for distribution may include but are not limited to: ∫ Mattresses ∫ Bed frames ∫ Chairs and tables

Accent furniture

“We are pleased to partner with United Way to offer this valuable program to our community members, many of which have lost everything due to Hurricane Ian,” Program Coordinator Manuela Martinez said.

The United Way is offering furniture points of distribution throughout Lee County

For more information about the POD program, including information on other distribution locations, contact Martinez at 239-472-4775 or manuela@fishofsancap.org.