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Care and Keeping Of Your Air Plant

Welcome to the fascinating world of air plants (TILLANDSIAS). These unique plants are members of the bromeliad or orchid family. They are native to Mexico, Central and South America, growing mainly in the trees - sometimes even on rocks or wires. There are over 250 different varieties.

DO NOT USE TAP WATER!!

CARE OF PLANTS

WATER - Mist the leaves thoroughly 2 to 3 times per week with non-chlorinated water (no tap water). In extreme heat or dry conditions it's a good idea to soak the plant, (totally submerged in water) for no more than 2 hours every 10 -14 days. This allows the plant to soak up as much water as it needs. The preferred type of water is distilled, rain, well water or water from a stock tank, pond or aquarium. The stock tank or pond and aquarium have the natural fertilizer these plants enjoy.

LIGHT - The plants enjoy medium to high light but not direct sun. Morning sun is acceptable, afternoon is not!

INDOORS / OUTDOORS - These plants will grow either indoors or outdoors. Outdoors under a patio cover or under the trees is ideal. Indoors in bathrooms or in kitchens are best for the moisture and humidity. These plants are tropical so they must be brought in during freezing temperatures.

SOIL - NEVER! - If you feel you must "plant" your air plant - Spanish moss, sphagnum, marbles, pebbles, aquarium gravel, or rocks work best. Place around the base of the plant. NEVER use soil, sand or peat moss.

GROWTH & REPRODUCTION - Air plants grow slowly but some can reach the size of 2 feet in diameter or as small as 1 1/2" tall.

They are self propagating. The life cycle is they grow, bloom and reproduce by pups or offshoots. Once a bloom spike is seen developing that is as large as that plant will get. A plant will bloom for a week to several months. At anytime during the bloom cycle the adult plant will begin producing pups or offshoots around the base of the plant.

Pups can be removed from the adult at 6 months or when they are about half the size of the adult. Pups can also be left attached and will form clusters or groups of plants.

HOW TO DISPLAY AND MOUNT - Since there is no soil the sky is the limit on display. They can be put in shells, baskets (all varieties get along), rocks, driftwood, wreaths, unusual containers or even in old cowboy boots!

To secure the plant, wire with lightweight florist wire or tie with monofilament fishing line. Some glues to use are: E-6000 or Household Goop. Hot glue can be used with caution. Put the puddle of hot glue down and wait (approx. 2 minutes) until glue is just about set. Then apply your plant.

Air plants are great gifts, fascinating school projects or are just plain fun to work with. Take your choice of many beautiful and unique plants and let your imagination run wild.