Tillandsia Madness

Let me share with you my latest obsession, Tillandsia, or more commonly known as Air Plants!
Most everyone has seen them before, tromped on them, used them as fire kindling, claimed that "red bugs" or chiggers live in them; the list goes on. The most common, and in my opinion the most romantic, air plant in the south is Tillandsia usneoides or Spanish Moss. What are growing in popularity as housing decor are exotic Tillandsia that offer a more visible bloom (because believe it or not, Spanish moss has microscopic flowers that bloom each year). I own about 10 different varieties of Tillandsia, some of which are featured here.

Read on to discover how easy taking care of your own air plants can be!

So versatile, you can stick it everywhere...

Care

Florida has great natural humidity to sustain air plant life, which is great for people with brown thumbs (like myself). But they do require just a little more attention than a pet rock, so don't get too excited.

Air plants need water, like all other plants. Most of this water (and other nutrients) is absorbed from the air through their leafs, but while hosting these plants in your home you should try to water them at least once a week. Some Tillandsia instructions suggest misting every couple days while others suggest either running water over the plants 2 to 4 times a week or a once a week soak for an hour. I myself prefer running my plants under water a couple times a week and giving them a good shake afterwards. What all of these methods have in common is the need to be sure your Tillandsia doesn't have sitting water in between the leaves. Be sure to let them sit on a paper towel or shake 'em out after watering, this will prevent plant rot. 

Brachycaulos in shot glasses

Light
Bright light or filtered sun is best. Just be sure to keep the plants from direct sunlight; remember these plants originate from under the gentle shade of the jungles.

Ventilation
Air plants like air and great air flow...duh. So please don't try to plant your air plant in a pot with soil...

Hidden Tillandsia Atroviridipetala

Reproduction

This is my favorite part; air plants reproduce each year by having 1 to 12 pups. They'll tend to sprout off the side of the parent plant. Once these pups reach at least half the size of the parent, you can carefully remove the pup or if you enjoy keeping the family together you may leave them clustered.

Nothing like Vernicosa and Arhiza to liven up bathroom space!

I hope these pictures inspire you to incorporate live Tillandsia into your home and the ease of care seal the deal!

Happy air planting!