Tillandsia
Common name: Air plants
Tillandsia is a genus of roughly 650 species of epiphytic bromeliads native to the southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. Most species grow without soil, clinging to trees, rocks, or cacti, and absorb water and nutrients through silvery scales (trichomes) on their leaves. Forms range from tiny tufts a few centimetres tall to large sculptural rosettes such as T. xerographica, often with vivid pink, red, or violet flower spikes. They are grown as easy houseplants and mounted or hanging displays because they need no pot or soil.
Care summary
Sun
Bright, indirect light; avoid harsh midday sun
Water
Mist 2-3 times a week or soak 20-30 minutes weekly, then dry upside-down
Water interval
Water about every 7 days
Soil
None — air plant, grows without soil
Hardiness
Zones 9–13
Mature height
5–40 cm (2–16 in), varies widely by species
Pet safe
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Propagation
By offsets (pups) separated once they reach about a third of the parent size
Fun facts
- Air plants have no true roots for absorbing water; their roots serve mainly to anchor them to branches and rocks.
- The leaves are covered in tiny scales called trichomes that trap moisture from fog and rain — the dustier and grayer a plant looks, the better adapted it is to dry conditions.
- Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is an air plant, not a moss, and drapes from trees across the southeastern United States.
- Most species flower only once in their lives, then slowly fade while producing pups around the base.
The Tillandsia Patch
Common problems
References
- Plants of the World Online - Tillandsia POWO
- Wikipedia - Tillandsia Wikipedia