@batty,
Yes, bromeliads are very popular and they only survive a short time before they die because they have specialized light and air humidity requirements. They are often bought while they are blooming, and the plant always dies after it blooms, and it produces pups.
Orchids are bought for their spectacular blooms, but the plant itself usually dies because of the difficult requirements to keep the plant alive.
I don't know if there are any bromeliads or orchids that can survive in the low light conditions inside of a house.