SAEDNEWS: Aerobic plants are perfect for people who are sensitive to soil. These plants need watering 2 to 3 times a week and must be misted daily. They love sunlight, but strong, direct sun can burn them. In this article, we’ll explore how to grow and care for these beautiful plants. Stay with us!
According to Saed News , Tillandsia is highly diverse, with around 400 species, and the most important feature of most members of this genus is that they lack roots. These are epiphytic plants that grow in South and Central America and in parts of Colombia, Peru, and Mexico, living on tree trunks and obtaining moisture from the air.
Tillandsia is one of the indoor plants you hear about a lot these days, see at exhibitions, or may have spotted in many places without knowing its name. These plants are called “air plants.” They are fascinating and unique because they can grow without soil, obtaining all their nutrients and water through their leaves, while their roots are used only for anchoring to rocks, soil, or tree trunks. Air plants are ideal and attractive for people who are sensitive to soil but want to keep flowers and greenery at home.
Do not assume these plants require no care. Contrary to some beliefs, these plants, besides needing air, require regular watering to thrive. The frequency of watering depends on temperature, light, and humidity, which vary at different times of the year. The brighter, warmer, and drier their environment, the more frequent watering they need. Conversely, cooler, darker, and more humid locations require less watering. Overwatering, like with any plant, can kill your Tillandsia, so balance is key.
Air plants can be used alone as beautiful decorative pieces or incorporated into terrariums. You can place several species together in a single pot, choosing a pot color that contrasts with the pink hues of the air plant flowers. These plants naturally grow on tree trunks, so placing a few on a piece of wood decorated with moss can provide a more natural look and maintain humidity. Note that the mother plant dies after flowering and producing offsets.
Tillandsia is an air plant, meaning it does not require soil to survive, and it has around 400 species. Caring for air plants is not difficult, and with proper attention, they can be easily grown and propagated. Here’s a detailed guide:
Submerge Tillandsia in a container of water every one to two weeks. Reduce watering to every three weeks during winter.
Shake the plant gently to remove excess water and place it upside down on an absorbent towel until the leaves are completely dry.
Never use cold water for soaking. The plant should remain inverted in water for about 30 minutes.
Avoid direct sunlight while drying. Drying should not be too fast; it takes approximately 3 hours for the plant to dry completely. Ensure no water remains trapped between leaves, as this can lead to rot.
Airflow from fans or HVAC systems can accelerate drying.
If leaves appear wilted or wrinkled, the plant needs more water. Water in the morning or early afternoon to allow enough drying time; never water at night. Spray with lukewarm water every one to two weeks, and increase frequency if indoor air is very dry. Summer rain is beneficial, so take the plant outside during rain. The best water is tap water left in an open container overnight.
Most Tillandsia species prefer humid environments, although Tillandsia xerographica can tolerate drier air. The ideal temperature range is 16–27°C (60–80°F). Winter cold can kill most air plants, so avoid exposing them to freezing conditions.
Light:
Tillandsia xerographica can handle more light than tropical or shade-loving varieties and adapts better to low light.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn leaves. Place plants in indirect light (filtered sunlight) and away from south-facing windows. In greenhouses, use mesh shade.
While natural sunlight is best, supplemental grow lights are acceptable, keeping them on for about 12 hours daily.
Fertilizing is not necessary, but adding a small amount of liquid fertilizer can promote faster growth. Use a general-purpose fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength or a bromeliad-specific fertilizer (17-8-22).
Air plants propagate via offsets (pups) produced during the mother plant’s single flowering period. Keep the young plants attached to the mother until they reach about one-half to one-third her size, then separate and grow them independently.
Tillandsia prefers a solid surface that does not retain water. Attach your plant directly to its mount with a strong adhesive or tie it with wire. Never cover the base with moss, as it may cause rot. If used for decoration, ensure moss does not stay wet during watering.
