Air Plant

Botanical Name: Tillandsia ionantha

Air plant is epiphytic, meaning that it lives by absorbing water and nutrients through its leaves, rather than from soil. In its native South America, Tillandsia grows on trees, using its small roots to anchor itself on a tree branch.

This tropical house plant from the Bromeliad family grows in a rosette of arching thin, green leaves, with deep pink or red plume-like bracts, and violet-blue flowers that appear in summer.

This type of epiphyte should not be planted in ordinary potting mix because this will cause its small roots to rot.

Air plants can be grown in crevices or depressions of a gnarled piece of wood, wired onto a twig wreath with enameled florists' wire, or tucked into a seashell (as shown here). Put the plant's roots on sphagnum moss to keep them from drying out. Do not use treated wood, or driftwood that may contain sea salt.

Tillandsia only lives for about 5 years, then deteriorates after blooming. However, it grows offsets -- called pups -- around the parent plant. Leave these pups attached until they are about half the size of the parent plant. Propagating these pups will give you an ongoing collection of beautiful plants.

Origin: Ecuador

Height: 6-12 in (15-30 cm)

Light: Bright light with some direct sun in winter, but not in summer.

Water: Spray plants twice a week, until they are thoroughly wet. Do not soak the base of the plants. Water less in winter, misting only once a week or as needed to prevent the plant from drying out completely.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity. Brown leaf tips are caused by dry air.

Temperature: Spring through early fall, average to warm 65-80°F/18-27°C; In winter, a cool rest 60°F/16°C will help it bloom.

Soil: N/A

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring and summer with high-phosphorus foliar fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Detach offsets when they reach half the size of the parent plant and reposition as needed to make room for new growth.