Tillandsia Airplants - Dont Plant These Plants!

Watch out, it's a tillandsia! Have no fear, I said "Tillandsia," not Tarantula. Although several species of this plant genus have taken on the appearance of the ominous eight-legged spider, you can rest-assured that these plants do not bite. As the largest genus of the Bromeliad family of plants, tillandsia boast of a characteristic that few other plants have, they have the ability to grow and prosper without soil. Nature has provided them with another mechanism for deriving the moisture and nutrients they need to survive. Though many Tillandsia species have a developed root system, its primary purpose is to secure these epiphytic plants to a host. Tillandsia leaves have specially developed cells called scales or trichomes that allow water and nutrients to be taken in from rain, the air, and dust. When opened, these cells give the plants their silvery-gray, somewhat ashy appearance.

The trichomes work like trap doors; as the plant dries out, the trichomes open to absorb more moisture and nutrients. Once sufficient hydration is achieved, the trichomes close to retain the moisture. Plants whose leaves have a dense concentration of trichomes are generally from an environment that is sunny and dry, and their leaves tend to be grayer and stiffer than those plants from a humid and shady environment. The dense concentration of trichomes on the leaf's surface allows the plant to absorb more moisture and to reflect the harsh effects of the sun.

Tillandsias have truly exquisite foliage. Although when in bloom they are magnificent in appearance, their foliage is their outstanding feature. Most tillandsia only bloom once in their lifetime. After blooming, pups or offsets form around the base or axil of the plants, and will eventually mature and complete their blooming cycle in one to several years. Propagating tillandsia from seed can require the patience of Job since it can take from four to seven years to do so. It is much easier and quicker to propagate by separating the offsets from the "mother" plant after they have reach about ½ "her" size.

Create some very eye-catching live plant arrangements using only tillandsia or by combining them with other plants. Since soil is not a requirement for growing tillandsia, more display possibilities are available than with traditional plants. Although displaying your plants can be as simple as hanging them by their roots from a piece of non-copper wire or fishing line, you can use waterproof adhesives such as Liquid Nail, Goop or even hot glue to attach your plants to any substrate that can handle frequent watering. Yes, watering is necessary! The common name for tillandsia, Airplant, is somewhat of a misnomer. In their natural habitat, tillandsias are able to derive all the moisture and nutrients they need from their surrounding. Once removed from that habitat, it is necessary to provide water, light, air circulation and an occasional feeding.

A good dripping-wet watering should be given at least once a week, more depending on the growing conditions. Provide bright indirect lighting; natural sunlight or artificial lighting is acceptable. Though not necessary, feeding your plants monthly with a bromeliad fertilizer or with Rapid Grow/Miracle Grow fertilizers at ¼ strength during the months of March ? October will greatly enhance growth and blooming. Supply enough air circulation to allow your plants to dry, after watering, in three to four hours. Tillandsias are amazingly resilient plants, able to survive under some of the worst growing conditions. Plant enthusiasts will love the ease of becoming a successful grower of Tillandsia.

Arthur Comer is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Successfully Growing Tillandsias (ISBN 0-9752760-0-X). He is the owner and general manager of the mail order Specialty Plants Company, ALCJR ENTERPRISES. The Virginia Gardener Magazine published a featured article by Arthur in its April 2005 issue. Additional growing tips, images and a wealth of information about these unique plants is available at his web site. http://www.alcjr.com

---

Growing Orchids as House Plants

One of the long standing myths that I still hear... Read More

Want to Build a Pond?

A pond, logically, the first question you should ask is... Read More

About Hummingbirds and How to Attract Them to Your Garden

Visualize watching a bright green hummingbird in your garden moving... Read More

What You Should Know About Miniature Roses

Miniature roses are exactly what they sound like. They have... Read More

Marjoram: The Herb of Happiness

Called the "herb of happiness," Origanum majorana, commonly known as... Read More

Garden Hot Tubs

Imagine starting your morning with a saunter out the back... Read More

How To Brighten Up Your Home With These Flower Arrangement Ideas

A beautiful flower arrangement piece can become the focal point... Read More

Guide to Basic Lawn Mower Maintenance

Trying to start your lawn mower after a long winter... Read More

When to Plant Vegetaibles

Planting times for vegetables and other annual plants vary from... Read More

Backyard Bird--The Catbird

It's quiet now.Gone is the constant chatter, whistles and meowing... Read More

Keeping the Balance of Nature: Pond Water Maintenance

You might be tempted to let Mother Nature, tend to... Read More

Gardening in Containers

Every Garden can benefit from the addition of container gardens.... Read More

Ship Ahoy! The Nautical Touch in Your Outdoor Living Space

Would you rather be sailing or are you strictly a... Read More

The Design Principle of Unity in Gardening and Landscaping

A principle of all art is unity. This means that... Read More

Pruning the Backyard Grapevine

Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain... Read More

The Advantages of Both a Liner Pond and a Preformed Pond, Rolled Up Into One Box!

INTRODUCTIONSo you've decided to build your very own backyard water... Read More

Paving Stones

Imagine a beautiful pattern of paving stones as the central... Read More

Fall Garden Chores for Spring Flowering Bulbs

As the school busses begin to rumble down the road... Read More

Beauty After life - Plants For Drying - Grasses

Dried plants and dried flowers are midway for people who... Read More

Fun, Funky Garden Plants

I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden... Read More

Flowers and Butterflies, the Perfect Combination!

Spring is coming fast and with it the colors of... Read More

Wooden You Like to Know? A Primer to Wood Outdoor Furnishings

To many people, wood is the quintessential building material for... Read More

Seeding Flowers Indoors: An Inexpensive Way to a Beautiful Summer Garden

Every year you plan that THIS will be the year... Read More

Plants To Grow Old With or The Constant Battle

Following are a few paragraphs about the on going battle... Read More

Winterizing Your Pond

For many parts of the country, it's getting to be... Read More

5 Simple Steps to Care For Your Push Reel Mower

Though most Push Reel Mowers made today are durable, they... Read More

Patios And Garden Pavers

Is your concrete or asphalt driveway an eyesore? Do you... Read More

Store Your Outdoor Furnishings to Make Them Last

In many parts of North America, the end of "porch... Read More

Gardening and Flowers

Gardening is one of life's pleasures whether you grow flowers,... Read More

Vermicomposting - Worm Composters For Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal and Recycling

Worms are not only the gardener's best friend, they are... Read More

The Perfect Yellow Roses for Your Home or Garden

Yellow roses are beauties, aren't they? Don't they look beautiful... Read More

Gardening--Fun and Frugal!

Whether you are an avid vegetable gardener, a beginning herb... Read More

Building Liner Ponds

Surprisingly enough, it is usually in mid-summer that many gardeners... Read More