Air Plants (Tillandsia) are just as interesting as any potted plant you can find at your garden center, but they require no soil and are easier to care for than most plants. And they're so trendy these days, so finding them is easier than ever.
Tillandsia is a genus of plants commonly referred to as air plants. These plants are epiphytic, meaning they grow attached to larger plants, trees, shrubs, and even rocks. Air Plants draw their moisture and nutrient requirements from the surrounding environments and do not need any soil or pots.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Like with most plants, the first step in learning how to grow Air Plants is to learn about their natural habitat. These plants are native to forests and mountains in Central and South America and the southern United States.
From late summer to mid-spring, water your Air Plants by misting them daily. Unlike potted houseplants, you can't over-water an Air Plant.
Keep in mind that these plants primarily come from warm and humid environments. Therefore, if you live in a dry climate or have forced air, you must provide adequate humidity by regularly misting your Air Plants.
A bright, sunny window, alcove, or porch where the Air Plant gets some protection from the full sun is ideal for these plants. Remember, they grow in tree canopies and mountains where they get dabbled light and some shade. Too much direct sunlight will lead to your plant drying out or the leaves burning. Yes, plants can get sunburns just like we do.
While Air Plants are mostly grown for their exotic and alien shapes, these plants bloom when they are grown right. The flowers can be small, but they are very colorful. In nature, Air Plants get their nutrients from decaying leaves and bugs and are absorbed through their leaves. You can fertilize your air plant by mixing water-soluble houseplant fertilizer low in nitrogen into a spray bottle where it is diluted with water. Spray this fertilizer mix on the leaves of the plant once a week during spring and summer. Growing an Air Plant is easy when you learn a little about where they come from and what they need to grow healthy.
Displaying your Air Plants
Because the roots of Air Plants are primarily used to anchor themselves to something else, there's no need for "potting" an Air Plant. Use this unique, growing characteristic to get creative. Some Air Plant growers will attach their plants to a large, decorative piece of driftwood, a magnet to allow it to "hang" on a fridge, or simply tie it to a larger plant. In recent years Air Plant terrariums have become really popular. There is no wrong way to display the Air Plant in your indoor garden.
Source: craftsy.com
Links
- Back to genus Tillandsia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin