Richgator, your plants are "Neoregelia", in zone 9 they can grow in garden with 1/2 day sun to bright light, in well drained soil, mulch, composted pine-bark mix etc., only water to help plant settle in to new location, do not leave in-pot if soil is boggy as the roots will suffer from being water logged? Water twice a week well for first month then leave to garden.

Liquid feed (every 2 weeks) in garden during summer, will result in rapid growth, plants will clump easily & most wills flower in spring though hold their colour for months.
cheers allan