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Air plants (Tillandsia) are epiphytes belonging to the bromeliad family. Epiphytes are plants that grow harmlessly upon other plants or anything else they can sit on including rocks surfaces using their roots as a means of attachment and support.
Their roots are used solely for attachment, rather than absorbing nutrients or water via roots. Air plants rely on the moisture in the atmosphere to grow and thrive. Trichomes are specialized structures on the leaves of air plants which trap moisture and dust, providing the plant with water and nutrients.
Tillandsias are forgiving indoor plants if given adequate amounts of light and water. They do best with bright, indirect light, preferably in an east or west facing window.
Misting, rinsing, or soaking are three methods of watering Tillandsias.
Good air circulation is important to air plants. While they look great enclosed in glass, be sure to allow the plants to dry after watering before placing them back in a terrarium.
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| Courtesy of Pixabay |
Tillandsias will benefit by a monthly application of fertilizer formulated for bromeliads. Fellow bromeliads include an array of colorful tropical plants, orchids, Spanish moss and pineapples. They can be fertilized using a water-soluble orchid or Tillandsia fertilizer, following package directions for dilution.
Air plants bloom but once in their lifetime. The flowers come in many shapes and in a range of color from coral, to pinks and purples. After Tillandsias flower, they produce “pups” or small offsets--new plants emerging from the base of the mother plant. Once pups are one-third the size of the mother plant they can be gently separated from the main plant and grown on their own, or they can be left in place allowing the plant to form a clump.
Ready to get an air plant or two?
Additional information on Tillandsia can be obtained from: PSU-air-plants, Clemson-air-plants