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The red-flowered torch was the first ornamental bromeliad to catch plant collectors’ attention, back in 1776, but breeders have since introduced cultivars and hybrids with scapes of yellow, white, pink, purple and even green, all with small water tanks and suited to growing in pots.

What probably startles beginning bromeliad growers most, even after providing diligent care, is the inevitable decline of the original or mother plant after it flowers.

Don’t panic: This is part of the bromeliad life cycle.

May 6 Bromeliad Society of La Ballona Valley Annual Bromeliad Show & Plant Sale, 10 a.m to 5 p.m. at the Culver City Veterans Complex Multipurpose Room, 4117 Overland Ave. The event will feature exhibits of at least 20 varieties of bromeliads, many of which are known as air plants.

A towering magenta bromeliad with a pool at its core is home to frogs and damselflies.