Many people may think that the plants need ground to grow and develop. But will it be? You might be surprised to learn that there is an entire category of plants that don’t dismiss the soil in their lives.
What are air plants
Epiphytes evolved to grow on the surface of other plants, clinging to their roots for support. A common location for these types of plants is on the branches of mature trees, where they can collect moisture from the air. Some examples are species of ferns, orchids and bromeliads.
Within the bromeliad family, there is a unique group of plants called tillandsia, commonly known as air plants. These perennial flowers are native to most of South America, as well as the southern portion of North America. With about 650 different species, the group is incredibly diverse. Perhaps one of the best-known examples of an aerial plant is the iconic “old man’s beard“, a tillandsia that falls gracefully from large trees in the southeastern US.
There is no shortage of interesting ways to display your aerial plants – from terrariums suspended from display trays. Coming up with ways to group them and display them around your vases can even be a lot of fun.
If you want to know more about these unique plants and where to start, if you also want to breed them, read on:
Aerial plant species
Tillandsia xerographica
This is one of the most popular species of aerial plant, with a distinctive spherical shape formed by broad leaves and silvery ones that curve elegantly around the base of the plant.
Besides being a wonderful decoration piece, is often incorporated into bouquets. It is also one of the few types of air plants that can handle direct sunlight.
Tillandsia ionantha
Not only are these plants visually striking with their pointed shape, but they are also one of the species more resistant of aerial plants.
Still, they love the moisture and will appreciate regular humidification to really thrive. People love it for the contrast between the green or silvery leaves and the tips of its bright and colorful leaves.
See too
strict Tillandsia
these plants are attractive and adaptable to the wide range of conditions in many homes. With thin, grayish-green leaves, they display flowers that can be blue, pink or purple, depending on the variety cultivated.
Tillandsia brachycaulos
This species of aerial plant starts out green, but its leaves can transition to a purple or red tone attractive just before they bloom with purple flowers. They are a popular addition to any terrarium!
Tillandsia aeranthos
One of the few aerial plants that grow vertically on this list, this variety grows with stiff green leaves before blooming with a beautiful pink or purple flower in the warmer months.
Bonus: This species is also very easy to propagate.
Tillandsia capitata
If you are looking for an attention-grabbing air plant, this curvy species it is one of the largest on the list, growing up to 25 centimeters in height and width.
It grows in a rosette shape and can produce several flowers among its velvety leaves.
Tillandsia caput-medusae
Unlike most air plants on our list, this one doesn’t matter which way you orient it, it will always grow straight from the base.
This plant is named in reference to the Jellyfish and his head of snakes. It won’t turn you to stone just by looking at it, but it will catch anyone’s eye with its elegantly tangled tentacles.
How to care for air plants
Caring for air plants is fairly easy, but it differs quite a bit from caring for your potted plants. Check out some general guidelines:
Lighting
In their native environments, most air plants grow on shady tree branches and prefer to receive strong but indirect light. Do your best to keep them out of direct sunlight, which can cause the plant to burn and dry out.
Temperature
Air plants love warm weather, so you’ll want to make sure they are never exposed to temperatures below 7°C. They grow best in temperatures between 18-30°C.
watering
In nature, air plants receive all the necessary moisture from the rain and high humidity, but the relatively dry air most homes means that regular watering is essential for indoor air plants.
That said, remember to water them every 1-2 weeks. At the winterthese plants normally go dormant and you can only go back to watering once every 3-4 weeks.
To water, fill your sink or a bowl with warm tap water until the water is high enough to submerge the plants. Submerge your plants and let them soak for half an hour, then remove them and place them head down on a towel to allow excess water to drain out of the center of the plant. This step is extremely important, as water left in the center of the plant can cause rot and death.
Fertilization
Air plants do not need a lot of fertilizer. With no roots in the ground, they absorb nutrients through their foliage. A plant food formulated for the growth of aerial plants, such as a foliar sprayonce a month during spring and summer.
Just give your plant a few sprays right after watering, making sure to follow the directions on the label. If you notice that your air plant is coloring or producing a flower budthis is a good time to give a dose of fertilizer to ensure it has the nutrients it needs to sustain beautiful flowering.
*Via bloomscape