One of the most popular plants I get asked for is “Air Plants”
When we talk about air plants we usually mean Tillandsias. There are over 650 different species of Tillandsias and most of them are epiphytes.
An epiphyte is a plant that doesn't grow in soil, instead it grows in the air (usually in trees or on rocks). Examples include bromeliads and orchids which use trees not just for support but also to get better access to sunlight for photosynthesis. They can also grow on each other.
Tillandsias have evolved into a remarkable genus adapting to a wide range of conditions with the amazing ability of being able to capture all water and nutrients via small scales on the leaf surface rather than through roots. So while Tillandsias grow ‘in the air’ they still need some basic requirements.
As with all plants if you want to know how to grow them well you need to look for their country of origin and their original growing habitat. Tillandsias have evolved and adapted to grow in a remarkably wide range of habitats.
Many Tillandsias grow naturally in jungles and swamps, but some grow wonderfully in the cold mountain air and the inhospitable deserts.
A simple guide to the determining a tillandsias requirements is by the nature of the leaves or base of the plant. Thick hard silver leaves and a dense, thick base generally mean that the plant is from a very exposed and dry environment. Finer, softer silver leafed varieties are from exposed positions with a high rainfall. The greener varieties without obvious scales are from shaded conditions with a high rainfall.
The leaves that are covered with specialized cells (trichomes) capable of rapidly absorbing water. This means that just because your air plant doesn’t have any soil around it, doesn’t mean it likes to dry out. Most species absorb moisture and nutrients through the leaves from rain, dew, dust, decaying leaves and insect matter.
Tillandsias need regular misting especially if they are grown indoors as our indoor air can be very drying for them plus indoor air is usually very sterile so always mix a low dose liquid food into the misting bottle to help keep your Tillandsias happy.
I would also give my Tillandsias a thorough soaking at least once a month to sufficiently fill the cells of the plant. During summer you may need to mist every 1 to 3 days. In a dark cold moist area watering every 2 to 4 weeks may be sufficient.
Many of the Tillandsias foliage form a rosette like funnel system so that all water and nutrients funnel back to main junction. Their flowers are usually very bright so that they can attract pollinators. Don’t expect your Tillandsia to flower straight away, flowering can take anywhere from 5 to 20 years (from seed) depending on species.
Tillandsias don’t require lots of light and will happily grow in the shade or indoors just make sure it’s not too dark and warm. Most dislike cold and wet.
Tillandsias can attach themselves to trees, rocks, other plants, fence posts anything really. You can even just have them sitting on your table nothing else around.
These plants are very cool and very versatile, why not have some fun and get an air plant today
We have some interesting air plants available now.