Bromeriads Cryptanthus lacerdae 'Menescal' Before, the Japanese could only see bromeliads in the greenhouses of botanical gardens. However, they became one of the common houseplants now because houses are kept warm through the year by air-conditioning and heating. In Japan, people can purchase potted bromeliads (like Vriesea carinata, Neoregelia, Guzmania x magnifica and Cryptanthus) at reasonable prices (500 yen to 1,000 yen = US$4 to US$8) at gardening shops. They are on sale especially in summer because they can provide a tropical atmosphere in people's houses. I wonder wether this trend is the same in other countries too? Recently, imported Tillandsia plants are getting popular in young people. They are on sale labeled "air plants" and young people purchase them as ornamental plants for decorating their rooms. There are bromeliad enthusiasts in Japan. In 1998, The Bromeliad Society of Japan was established and now they undertake activities in order to spread knowledge about bromeliads to others. The Bromeliad Society Japan Website The authers of "NEW TILLANDSIA HANDBOOK" Hideo Shimizu and Hiroyuki Takizawa called to bromeliad enthusiasts for the establishment of "The Bromeliad Society of Japan" in 1998. The members are growing many kinds of Bromeliads here in Japan and always seeking for the new informations. *Japanese version only "NEW TILLANDSIA HANDBOOK" (published by SEIBUNDO SHINKOUSHA company in 1998) is a bible for Japanese Tillandsia enthusiasts. Popular Bromeliads in Japan Vriesea carinata Neoregelia cultivar 'Rio of Rio' Flowers Guzmania x magnifica  Cryptanthus bivittatus 'Pink Starlite' Bromeliads at TAYUMIMA Nursery TAYUMIMA is one of bromeliad nurseries in Japan. They sell rare bromeliads to enthusiasts. Japanese enthusiasts purchase rare bromeliads from this nursery. The photos below were taken there. Aechmea orlandiana 'Snow Flake' Neoregelia pendula Neoregelia carcharodon 'Tiger' Orthophytum gurkenii Dyckia marnier-lapostollei Tillandsia bryoides TAYUMIMA Nursery Website TAYUMIMA Nursery is basically a wholesale nursery. Most of airplants (Tillandsia) at gardening shops are from TAYUMIMA in Japan. They also have an online shopping website for Japanese customers. I can say that this website is an paradise for Japanese bromeliad enthusiasts. *Japanese version only Bromeliads Collection of the Website Owner I (the website owner), too am one of the bromeliad enthusiasts. I love bromeliads because they have unique forms with interesting leaf patterns. Their flowers are also interesting though their blooming period is quite short. I would like to show you some of my collection below: Aechmea recurvata flowers Aechmea tillandsioides Billbergia nutans flowers Billbergia pyramidalis flowers Billbergia lietzei flowers Vriesea racinae flowers Website of Bromeliad Enthusiasts This website is created by the webmaster of TAYUMIMA nursery website. All the contents are dedicated to bromeliad enthusiasts in Japan. There is a database of Tillandsia species with growing tips. Namely, maniac world! *Japanese version only