Airplant
Care Sheet
(for
tillandsias)
Airplants are
Bromeliads that get
their name from the fact that they grow not in soil, but instead
attached to
branches (epiphytically) and rocks (saxicolous). Their roots serve only
to give
the plants a firm anchor to whatever they are growing on. All of their
moisture
and nutrition is absorbed through their specialized leaves.
Air plant
leaves possess tiny
scales, properly called trichomes, that serve two major functions.
First, they
assist the plant in absorbing water and nutrients by holding greater
amounts of
water against the leaf surface for a longer period of time. Second, they
help
to reflect the intense sunlight off of the leaf surface that can be so
common
in their growing environment. These trichomes are what give many of the
air
plants their characteristic gray color. It is often easy to determine
the growing
requirements a given plant needs by the appearance of the plant itself.
Those
that have a dense covering of scales on their leaves are most probably
from an
area with bright light and little water. Whereas a plant with more
glossy
leaves is most likely from an area of lower light and higher humidity.
Air plants are familiar to most
people as they are often sold as a variety of ornaments from
refrigerator
magnets to desk-top displays. Even though they are commonly encountered
it is
unfortunate that they are also widely misunderstood resulting in their
very
short lifespan in the house. Even though these plants are commonly
called
"air plants", they cannot survive on air alone. Like any living thing
they require water and nutrients as well. Different species will
require
varying conditions but most all of them have certain needs in common.
Once the
misconceptions are eliminated the plants are very rewarding to grow and
collect.
Water: Air plants grown under typical household
conditions will
require water 2-3 times a week on average. This is most easily
accomplished by
spraying the plants thoroughly until they drip with water. The plants
must then
be allowed to dry completely before being watered again. The humidity
level of
the home will determine how often the plants will need to be watered.
Under
drier conditions (humidity levels less than 50%) the plants may need to
be
watered more frequently. Distilled, reverse osmosis or rain water should
be
used as tap water can contain minerals and chemicals that can be
damaging to
the plants over long term usage. Once a week, the plants should be
thoroughly soaked in a sink or bucket of water for several hours to
allow them
to fully rehydrate. Suitable plant foods can be added to this soak water
a
couple times a month to ensure good growth.
Ventilation: Obviously, these plants are constantly bathed
in fresh air
up in the trees in nature and we should do whatever we can to provide
similar
conditions in cultivation. During the warm summer months they can be
hung
outside where breezes come naturally or indoors they can be placed where
there
is good air movement from fans. Never place the plants in the direct
flow of
air coming from central heating or A/C vents.
Light: Most types of air plants like bright light and
will do well
where they will recieve indirect sunlight near a window. Generally those
species with grey, fuzzy leaves like brighter light than those with
darker
green leaves. Outdoors, gray leaved types will even tolerate some
morning sun.
Mounting: Airplants can be mounted on a variety of
wood, rocks
or logs using silicone sealant. Apply a small dab of the silicone on the
branch
where you would like to mount the plant then seat the plant into the
silicone
being sure to make firm contact. A small dab of hot glue can also be
used to
help hold the plant in place while the silicone cures. Let the glue cool
for
about 10 seconds to avoid burning the leaves. When mounting the plants,
be sure
to mount those with a bulbous or inflated base either horizontally or
upside
down to prevent water from collecting around the base of the leaves
causing
rot. Small pieces of dried moss can be glued around the base of the
plants to
help hide the glue or silicone but do not use too much that might hold
water
around the base of the plant which may cause rot.
Have
fun!