Tillandsia aka Air Plant

Taxonomy

Tillandsia is a diverse genus of around 650 species of evergreen, perennial flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae. Native to the Neotropics, they can be found in forests, mountains, and deserts from northern Mexico to central Argentina. These air plants, also known as epiphytes, do not require soil for nourishment and can cling to various surfaces such as tree branches, telephone wires, and bare rocks. Their leaves are covered in specialized cells that rapidly absorb water, and their light seeds and silky parachute aid in their spread. While most Tillandsia species are epiphytes, some are aerophytes that grow on shifting desert soil. With a rosette of long, thin, silvery-green leaves, the 'Cotton Candy' variety produces spikes of lilac-violet flowers. Tillandsia species exhibit a wide range of physiological and morphological differences, adapting to their native habitats. They have root systems designed to anchor to other plants or substrates and modified trichomes for water and nutrient intake. The leaves form rosettes that collect water and nutrients, and the flowers come in a variety of vibrant colors, attracting pollinators such as moths, hummingbirds, and bats.

Common names

Air Plant, Tillandsia Silver Queen, Houston Air Plant, Tillandsia Stricta Recurvifolia, Tillandsia Houston

How to care for Air Plant

Difficulty

Air Plant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Air Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Air Plant is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Air Plant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Air Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Air Plant prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Air Plant is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Air Plant’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia