Air plants - Tillandsia

Tillandsia - Commonly known as air plants, these botanical curiosities can be found in jungles, rain forests or deserts - from sea level to high mountain regions, and increasingly in homes and offices where their low-maintenance and intriguing shapes are hugely appealing. Although these are low care plants, that is not the same as no care at all.

Ait plants are found from the southeastern United States to Argentina in tropical or subtropical areas with high humidity.

Most Tillandsias have little or no roots and grow on trees (epiphytic) or rocks (lithophytic). One of the best-known Tillandsia species is the Tillandsia Usneoides (Spanish moss).

The thin-leaved green forms grow in rainy areas, and the thicker grey-leaved ones in drier areas. Water and nutrients are absorbed from the air via the scales on the leaves (dust, rainwater).

The Tillandsia is also an environmentally friendly plant. It is not sprayed with pesticides as it is not very susceptible to diseases and vermin.

Tillandsia Care Requirements

Light: In the summer, Tillandsias are best in indirect or somewhat shielded sunlight. In winter, full sun is also good. In a not too wet summer they like to hang out outside.

Air: Fresh, moving air is ideal

Water: Preferably give Tillandsias lukewarm rainwater, unless the tap water is very soft. It is important not to keep the plants too wet as they can rot. In the winter 1x spraying per month is sufficient, in the summer 1x per week it is possible more often but not necessary. In a bright bathroom (with a window) in which there is a shower, the humidity is often so high that the plants there usually require little care, apart from the occasional spraying.

Temperature: Tillandsias are not very picky about temperature. This can fluctuate between 10 and 32 degrees Celsius. At lower temperatures, however, they can tolerate less moisture. You do have to take into account the ratio of light and temperature. In winter there is generally little light under our circumstances and too high a temperature is disastrous. Then hang them a little colder and lighter, eg in front of a window without central heating underneath.

Food: Occasionally add a little orchid or special bromeliad fertilizer to the water. Tillandsias, however, grow very slowly and too much food can be harmful.