Tillandsia are a large species in the genus of air plants, which thrive without needing water or soil to nourish them. They are a many and varied species which are known for their striking leaves that are silvery and thin. Not only are the leaves beautiful for their colour, they are useful too since they are what collect moisture to help nourish the tillandsia.
Many of the tillandsia species create beautiful flowers with pointed, drooping petals. They are sought after by those who want to make an impact with their plants, but don’t have a lot of time on their hands and are beloved as they’re relatively easy to care for.
All in all, tillandsia are a great addition to any plant lover’s collection.
What Is Tillandsia?
Tillandsia, also known as air plants, are a genus that has around 650 species of both evergreen and perennial flowering plants, all of whom are in the Bromeliaceae family (aka the pineapple family). They are located throughout the numerous deserts, forests, and mountains of Central and South America, and have also been found in parts of the southern United States.
Tillandsia is well known because of its unique ability to thrive without soil. They are able to obtain all their necessary nutrients and moisture from the air directly. This is made possible due to the specialised scales that they have on their leaves which are called trichomes; these are what gather the moisture that lands on their leaves.
How To Grow Tillandsia
To grow tillandsia is relatively easy since all they need to thrive is bright, indirect light and a high humidity. To keep them looking their best, they should be misted on a regular basis and will do well if they are soaked in shallow water for around half an hour at least once a week. The water that they are placed in should be allowed to completely drain off of them and not be left sitting in the rosettes of the leaves.
To grow your own tillandsia you will need to propagate it either from a pup or grow it directly from seed. If you choose to go the seed route, be aware it can take up to a full decade before your tillandsia is able to reach maturity. Some owners think this is too long to wait and prefer using a pup from the mother plant instead.
Pups form at the base of tillandsia after they have first bloomed, though this can take up to a year to form. When growing a new tillandsia from a pup, you’ll need to split it carefully off from the main plant with a sharp knife. They can then be grown in much the same way as the mother plant was. It’s best to wait until they are a third of the size of the mother plant before splitting them off. In nature, the pups stay attached to the mother plant until it eventually dies. Some owners choose to leave their pups and are rewarded with a beautiful clump of growing tillandsia.
All in all, tillandsia are quite hardy plants which can do well in a wide range of temperatures, as well as in different humidity levels. They are also very low maintenance, which is part of their appeal and a top reason why they are a great choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening.
When To Plant Tillandsia
When it comes to planting tillandsia, they can be planted at any time of the year, as they are able to thrive in a variety of conditions. They can be attached to numerous kinds of surfaces – from trellises and trees through to driftwood, and even look amazing growing amid rockeries or on outdoor sculptures.
You can plant your tillandsia indoors even in the winter months by mounting it on a piece of corkboard, wood, netting or even on a wire. This is one of the reasons they are beloved since they are so versatile which allows for many different kinds of creative planting choices.
Where To Plant Tillandsia
Tillandsia can be planted in a host of different places, such as in terrariums, a conservatory, set down on a windowsill or left hanging from a wall or sculpture in a fairly bright location. They can also be planted in gardens, rockeries and greenhouses but they must be kept well away from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, and be brought indoors if there is any chance of frost.
How To Plant Tillandsia
To plant tillandsia is simple: you can just attach the plant to a surface by adhering it down with either glue or wire. Tillandsia can also be planted in a container filled with a well-draining mixture, such as tree bake, thick pieces of gravel, or even sand. This allows for easy and convenient planting options and makes it easy to reposition the plant as may be required in the future.
They can be grown in a wide range of climates provided they remain frost-free but will do their best growing when placed in a warm and humid environment.
What Is The Meaning Of Tillandsia?
The meaning of the name tillandsia comes from botanists honouring the well-known Finnish professor, botanist and physician Elias Tillandz.
How Often Do You Water Tillandsia?
Your tillandsia will do best if given water at least two times each week – you can do three if you live in a very dry climate. To water it properly you need to soak your Tillandsia leaves in water or mist it thoroughly.
Is Tillandsia An Indoor Plant?
While native to the humidity outdoors of South America, tillandsias indeed are excellent indoor houseplants for many reasons, mostly because they are easy to care for. Keep in mind that they need to be kept somewhere that receives plenty of light, but try to avoid putting them in direct sunlight. Their leaves will begin to show signs of scorching and wilting if they receive too much heat and bright light.
Does Tillandsia Purify Air?
One of the top reasons for homeowners to add a variety of air plants into their homes is that yes, they can purify the air inside it. Tillandsia is one of these plants which can remove several chemicals as well as airborne contaminants from the air inside homes.
Does Tillandsia Need Sunlight?
Your tillandsia should get plenty of bright, indirect sunshine and will even thrive if given adequate indoor lighting such as from grow lights or normal fluorescent lightbulbs. While tillandsia is able to tolerate a few hours of direct sunshine, the sun is incredibly drying for them and their delicate leaves, so helping to supplement their water if they do receive direct sunlight is important.
Should I Soak Or Mist My Air Plant?
Both soaking and misting are worthwhile to do. However, a general rule which many follow is that air plants that have many trichomes are able to handle being dunked or misted fairly often and will do. Air plants which have more lush and bright green leaves, with far fewer trichomes, will do better if they are given a good soaking once a week.
Whether you’re looking to add some greenery to your home or want to create a unique outdoor garden, Tillandsia is an excellent choice. With proper care and attention, your plants will grow yearly and provide a unique beauty to your surroundings for many years to come.