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The "air plants" of the New World

© Jared R. Shortman

     Tillandsia species are in the family Bromeliaceae, commonly referred to as Bromeliads. Their habitats (from the southern United States to South America) range from wet conditions, to very dry desert areas. Instead of just using roots to absorb water, Tillandsias have evolved to obtain most of their moisture from humidity, rain, and runoff from trees through minute scales on their foliage.

     I am generally interested in growing species native to dry climates. These dry growing Tillandsias or "air plants" as they are sometimes called, are found growing epiphytically on trees, columnar cacti, sand dunes, and rock faces. Unlike parasitic plants like mistletoe, Tillandsias do not rob the plants they live on of nutrients or water. Although these areas are arid or semi-arid, they are generally much more humid than many areas in the SW United States; So Tillandsias require some care to keep healthy. In addition to watering you may need to keep plants from cold, as the habitats these plants come from generally don't experience freezing temperatures. Unlike some retailers may claim, Tillandsias need more than air. They are living things growing in a new climate. It is up to you to provide your plant with what it needs, which is surprisingly little.      Although different species require different care tactics, generally Tillandsias like good light, and many can be grown indoors in south facing windows, on the patio outside or under a tree (watching closely that plants don't dry up), or in a greenhouse. The species I grow need no potting media. They can be mounted onto a variety of places including most wood surfaces (including live plants), and any material that allows the roots to cling on. Some species you can mount onto columnar cacti just like found in the wild. Tie or carefully hot-glue plants firmly to the substrate, but make sure they have room to grow.       Plants usually produce offspring from the base and can be divided, with care, or left alone to become larger specimens. Make sure you have a general idea of the dimensions your plants may reach and that you have enough room for the plant to grow.

     Although most Tillandsias have an interesting form when not blooming, they are even more spectacular when in bloom. With many Tillandsias, the entire plant will flush pink or red upon blooming. Following is a cottony substance that harbors the seeds. Tillandsias have a surprising amount of diversity from species to species. Some are like moss ("Spanish moss" is actually a Tillandsia), and some grow to be giant individuals collectively known as "tank bromeliads".

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