The rare and unusual tillandsias are true air plants; they do not grow in soil but gather nutrients from the air through their leaves. A genus in the bromeliad family of plants, they are not only striking in nature, they are extremely hardy plants. Many species are xerophytic, which means they grow almost without water, as well as epiphytic, which means they do not need soil to thrive. They withstand temperatures ranging from 32 degrees to 100 degrees, and are happy indoors or outdoors. They like indirect light, good air circulation, and a light daily misting. If you are enjoying this exotic lovely as an indoor plant, once a week place your tillandsia outside for 24 hours.
Generally speaking, darker-green smooth types can handle a bit less light and a little more water than gray-green fuzzy ones. As with all plants, they need food, so fertilize them monthly from March through October; use an orchid fertilizer diluted to quarter strength.
Native to tropical parts of the Americas, where they live without soil on trees and rocks, they reproduce by sending out offsets called pups. A single parent can produce 12 or more pups, which may then be divided into individual plants when they are about half the size of the parent plant. Or leave them to grow in clusters for a truly awesome display.
We have Tillandsia here in several fascinating varieties! Undemanding, visually riveting and the ultimate easy-to-care-for houseplant…an air plant is hard to resist.