This is one of the arboreal bromeliads, often just called "air plants" They do best just hanging in a tree rather than planted in the soil. This is a Tillandsia bulbosa. There are hundreds of species of tillandsia (about 650 at last count), some of them native to Florida. The most common member of this family is probably Spanish Moss. But there are many others with large beautiful blooms. In any swampy area you will find them growing high in cypress trees with bright red flowers. Many make great landscape plants that will really give your garden that tropical rain forest feel. You'll usually find them for sale at plant sales and garden shows. Just wire them to a tree, in the shade of the canopy and they will usually attach themselves over time. They just live off whatever moisture and nutrients they get from the air soil they will appreciate a spritz with the hose occasionally, especially in the winter when the humidity is lower. If you think they need some fertilizer you can spray them with a weak solution of liquid plant food like Miracle Grow.
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