Tillandsia Types

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Tillandsia types

Air plants, or tillandsias, are unique plants. They are identified by their tiny size and lack of visible roots. Air plants rely on a combination of air and water to grow, but aren't as dependent on water as traditional plants. Also, unlike traditional plants, air plants are epiphytes.

What kind of plant is Tillandsia?

Air plants (Tillandsia spp.) are epiphytes, meaning that in nature they grow on other plants, usually on tree branches. There are hundreds of species and varieties of air plants.

What is the most beautiful air plant?

26 Types of Air Plants That Are Most Beautiful | Best Air Plant...

Tillandsia ionantha. Commonly known as the sky plant, it's one of the most popular air plant varieties.
Tillandsia andreana. ...
Tillandsia maxima. ...
Tillandsia usneoides. ...
Tillandsia cyanea. ...
Tillandsia caput-medusae.

Does Tillandsia need direct sunlight?

Air plants prefer bright indirect light. Meaning, don't plan to keep them right in a windowsill unless it receives filtered light, or possibly only gentle morning sun. Air plants are prone to getting a bit “fried” in direct sunlight, especially when it is amplified through a glass window or terrarium.

How do I know if my air plant is happy?

A healthy air plant will have wide open leaves while a dehydrated air plant will have closed and curled leaves! Never submerge the bloom or flower, as it can cause the flower to rot. If you are using tap water, let the water stand for several hours to dissipate any chemicals prior to watering the plants.

What is the life expectancy of air plants?

Most air plants can live for 2-8 years, so be prepared for a long-term relationship. Depending on the species, climate, and care it receives, an air plant's lifespan can vary dramatically. Air plants will only survive for a few months if they aren't cared for properly.

What is the longest living Tillandsia?

xerographica is one of the largest, sturdiest, longest living air plants. Its wide leaves are deeply curled in a compact, rounded form.

What happens to Tillandsia after flowering?

After blooming, air plants [depending on the species] would produce 1 to 3 offsets or pups on average. Once the offsets reach about 1/3 the size of the adult plant, you can snip them off or leave them [they would form a clump].

How do I keep my Tillandsia blooming?

Submerge entire plant in room temperature water for 5-10 minutes once or twice a week. Let plants drain upside-down on a towel after their bath for at least 3 hours so they are dry to the touch. Fertilize every 2 months with epiphytic/bromeliad/non-urea nitrogen fertilizer for better blooms and daughter growth (pups).

What is the king of the air plants?

Considered the king of all air plants, Tillandsia xerographica is one of the largest air plants that can grow up to 60 cm in width! It possesses stunning silvery-green leaves that taper outwards either forming an almost symmetrical rosette or spiralled into a wildly unique form.

What is the queen of air plants?

Xerographica are known as the "Queen of Air Plants" for good reason! They are the quintessential air plant due to their beautiful recurving leaf structure and amazing bloom spikes.

What is the rarest Tillandsia?

Recurvifolia. This is the rarest variety of Tillandsia Funckiana, and we can see why! Its leaves are extremely unique and look like pine branches. Its leaves also recurve, or bend backward, which is how this variety got the name “Recurvifolia.” Neat, huh?

How often should Tillandsia be watered?

Thoroughly wet your Tillandsia 2-3 times per week; more often in a hot, dry environment; less often in a cool, humid one.

Should air plants be soaked or misted?

A good rule to follow is most air plants that have an abundance of trichomes (xeric plants) should often be dunked or misted, while plants with bright green leaves and less trichomes (mesic plants) prefer to be soaked once a week.

Can I use Miracle Grow on air plants?

Fertilizing Tillandsia Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for bromeliads or air plants once a month, or dilute Miracle-Grow or similar water soluble plant foods to 1/4 strength. Add the fertilizer water to a spray bottle, and mist thoroughly with the food water once a month.

Do air plants need to be attached to something?

Roots: Air plants anchor themselves to objects by their roots and need to be attached to something in order to grow.

How long should I soak my air plant?

To water your air plant, place it face down in water, either in a container or your sink and let them soak for 10-20 minutes. Alternatively you can dunk plants several times in water. After soaking, gently shake off excess water to prevent rotting or damage.

Can you water air plants with tap water?

The chlorine in regular tap water will kill air plants, so it's important to only use chlorine-free water. Rainwater is the best water for tillandsia.

Where is the best place to put an air plant?

Air plants do best with at least a few hours of bright, indirect sun daily. Placement within 1 to 3 feet of an east- or west-facing window, or within a foot or two of an artificial light source is ideal. If you keep them well watered, they can have hotter, more direct sun and longer exposure. Avoid dimly lit locations.

Do air plants increase in size?

Do Air Plants Grow Bigger? If your air plant is a pup (baby air plant) then it will grow to full size depending on its species. As stated above, air plants range in size from two inches to seven feet so research your variety to find out more about how big it will grow.