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2007年4月30日 星期一
What are Tillandsias?
Tillandsias, commonly known as AIR PLANTS. These bizarre looking plants are found mainly in Latin America tropical rainforest. 95% of Tillandsias do not need soil to grow. They are found growing on trees, shrubs, cacti and rocks. They are epiphytic (growing on other plants but do not ‘steal’ water and nutrients from the host) or epipetric (growing on rock) plants. The genus Tillandsia is the biggest in the Bromeliad family consisting of over 550 species and many hybrids. Even today, more species are being discovered in the remote corners of Latin America.Tillandsias have a cycle of growth with a single plant which grows to maturity. When the plant reaches maturity, it blooms in its season, with spikes lasting from several weeks to many months. The flowers come in different hues of purple, red, pink, yellow, orange and even green. Some species even have fragrant flowers. The bracts protecting the flowers before they bloom can also be very colourful and the colour may turn more vibrant if the plant is given more light during the flowering cycle. During and after blooming, it produces anywhere from one to a dozen new plants. Pups can be separated when they are about half the parent size. WATCHING THESE OFFSHOOTS GROW WITHOUT SOIL IS THE REAL SATISFACTION IN GROWING TILLANDSIAS and the blooms are the final reward.Tillandsias can be attached to any objects with the use of fishing line, thread, wire or glue. Grow the plants, especially the bulbous and the “furry” species, in positions where excess water can drain easily from the crevices in between the leaves. Plants that are stuck into holes often rot when the base become wet and does not have an opportunity to dry .Tillandsias grown from seeds will take many years to mature. Seed production is one way of reproduction , vegetative production is another way to get new plants. These plants are cultivated in a nursery and brought to you when they are 2 to 4 years old.
How to take care of your airplant?
CAN A PLANT GROW WITHOUT SOIL? YES, TILLANDSIAS CAN.
CAN A PLANT GROW WITHOUT ROOT? YES, TILLANDSIAS CAN.
GROWING TILLANDSIAS
Tillandsias are unique-looking, easy to grow plants that need minimal care. All they need is LIGHT, WATER and AIR CIRCULATION. They are hardy plants that can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. Since every environment is different, the plants will need some time to get use to it, once acclimatized to the new environment they will do well and grow with little attention. Wherever you wish to place the plant, keep in mind these 3 factors: LIGHT, WATER & AIR CIRCULTAION. Ignore any one of these factors, the plant will not do well in the long run.
LEAVES and ROOTS
Tillandsias do not need soil to grow, like normal plants, they need water. Tillandsias have highly developed foliar or scales called TRICHOMES on their leaves. The trichomes help the plants to absorb water and nutrients. For some species, the trichomes grow so densely that it gives the plants a whitish or grayish look.
The roots for most Tillandsias are for anchorage only, attaching the plants firmly to its plant or object. The roots are not necessary for growth of the plant and can be trimmed off if deemed unsightly. When roots grow, it indicates that the growing conditions are ideal for the plants.
GENERAL TILLANDSIA CARE
The most important factors in Tillandsia care are: LIGHT, WATER and AIR CIRCULATION.
Light
Lighting for Tillandsias should be bright but filtered. Place by windows, on balconies, in patios or under a tree. If given direct sunlight, early morning sunlight is preferred. Provide partial shade from scorching noon or early afternoon sun. Tillandsias need bright filtered sunlight to grow well. When kept indoors, they should be placed near the window as possible. If that is not possible, use artificial light to shine on them for 8-14 hours a day. The light is placed between 15cm-30cm away from the plants. If artificial light is not an option and you would like to display your plant indoors, plant rotation is the answer. Get 3 specimens, and rotate them once every 2-3 weeks. That means, display one plant indoor, the other 2 should be placed near the window where they get sunlight to make food and grow. After 2-3 weeks, move the plant indoor our near the window and replace it with another plant.
As a general rule of thumb the greener and softer leaved plants require less sun and more moisture, and they tend to thrive in cool environment. The grayer, stiffer leaved plants need more light and less moisture, and are usually from warmer areas.
WATER
Frequency of watering depends on the environment in which the plants grow. Water plants more often if whether is hot, windy or dry, less often if weather is wet. Generally, water plants thoroughly once a day (best in morning), by spraying them till they are dripping wet. Do not let water collected in leaf crevices for a few consecutive days as it may lead to rot. Plants should be given enough light, air circulation to dry in no longer than 4 hours after watering.
When a plant is dehydrated, its leaves will curl up. In addition to spraying the plants, they can be totally submerged in water containing a small amount of fertilizer for up to 6-8 hours. This will thoroughly hydrate the leaves. After soaking, pick up the plants at a location with good air circulation for them to dry properly. In a light airy house, most Tillandsias will adapt. In a stuffy closed-in environment they may not.
The ability of Tillandsias to survive long periods of drought qualifies these plants as among the world hardiest plants. Together with the fact that there is no soil to contend with, they also qualify as one of the world most care free plants for growers-when one has a basic understanding of how the plants function.
FERTILIZER
Tillandsias in nature receive very little in the way of nutrients, and they make maximum use of the nutrients they do happen to assimilate. A consistent fertilization program will produce much larger, more robust plants when combined with strong light and frequent, thorough watering. Tillandsias, like orchids, prefer a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Any water-soluble fertilizers can be used at ¼ strength. A very dilute amount every time the plants are watered would be ideal. But fertilization every week for two with a stronger solution is fine.
Remember above all, that Tillandsias are among the most care-free and hardiest plants, when given the requisite amount of LIGHT, WATER and NUTRIENTS.
YOU DON’T NEED A GREEN THUMB TO GROW TILLANDSIA, TAKE CARE OF THEM, BUT DON’T BE A SLAVE TO THEM.
CAN A PLANT GROW WITHOUT ROOT? YES, TILLANDSIAS CAN.
GROWING TILLANDSIAS
Tillandsias are unique-looking, easy to grow plants that need minimal care. All they need is LIGHT, WATER and AIR CIRCULATION. They are hardy plants that can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. Since every environment is different, the plants will need some time to get use to it, once acclimatized to the new environment they will do well and grow with little attention. Wherever you wish to place the plant, keep in mind these 3 factors: LIGHT, WATER & AIR CIRCULTAION. Ignore any one of these factors, the plant will not do well in the long run.
LEAVES and ROOTS
Tillandsias do not need soil to grow, like normal plants, they need water. Tillandsias have highly developed foliar or scales called TRICHOMES on their leaves. The trichomes help the plants to absorb water and nutrients. For some species, the trichomes grow so densely that it gives the plants a whitish or grayish look.
The roots for most Tillandsias are for anchorage only, attaching the plants firmly to its plant or object. The roots are not necessary for growth of the plant and can be trimmed off if deemed unsightly. When roots grow, it indicates that the growing conditions are ideal for the plants.
GENERAL TILLANDSIA CARE
The most important factors in Tillandsia care are: LIGHT, WATER and AIR CIRCULATION.
Light
Lighting for Tillandsias should be bright but filtered. Place by windows, on balconies, in patios or under a tree. If given direct sunlight, early morning sunlight is preferred. Provide partial shade from scorching noon or early afternoon sun. Tillandsias need bright filtered sunlight to grow well. When kept indoors, they should be placed near the window as possible. If that is not possible, use artificial light to shine on them for 8-14 hours a day. The light is placed between 15cm-30cm away from the plants. If artificial light is not an option and you would like to display your plant indoors, plant rotation is the answer. Get 3 specimens, and rotate them once every 2-3 weeks. That means, display one plant indoor, the other 2 should be placed near the window where they get sunlight to make food and grow. After 2-3 weeks, move the plant indoor our near the window and replace it with another plant.
As a general rule of thumb the greener and softer leaved plants require less sun and more moisture, and they tend to thrive in cool environment. The grayer, stiffer leaved plants need more light and less moisture, and are usually from warmer areas.
WATER
Frequency of watering depends on the environment in which the plants grow. Water plants more often if whether is hot, windy or dry, less often if weather is wet. Generally, water plants thoroughly once a day (best in morning), by spraying them till they are dripping wet. Do not let water collected in leaf crevices for a few consecutive days as it may lead to rot. Plants should be given enough light, air circulation to dry in no longer than 4 hours after watering.
When a plant is dehydrated, its leaves will curl up. In addition to spraying the plants, they can be totally submerged in water containing a small amount of fertilizer for up to 6-8 hours. This will thoroughly hydrate the leaves. After soaking, pick up the plants at a location with good air circulation for them to dry properly. In a light airy house, most Tillandsias will adapt. In a stuffy closed-in environment they may not.
The ability of Tillandsias to survive long periods of drought qualifies these plants as among the world hardiest plants. Together with the fact that there is no soil to contend with, they also qualify as one of the world most care free plants for growers-when one has a basic understanding of how the plants function.
FERTILIZER
Tillandsias in nature receive very little in the way of nutrients, and they make maximum use of the nutrients they do happen to assimilate. A consistent fertilization program will produce much larger, more robust plants when combined with strong light and frequent, thorough watering. Tillandsias, like orchids, prefer a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Any water-soluble fertilizers can be used at ¼ strength. A very dilute amount every time the plants are watered would be ideal. But fertilization every week for two with a stronger solution is fine.
Remember above all, that Tillandsias are among the most care-free and hardiest plants, when given the requisite amount of LIGHT, WATER and NUTRIENTS.
YOU DON’T NEED A GREEN THUMB TO GROW TILLANDSIA, TAKE CARE OF THEM, BUT DON’T BE A SLAVE TO THEM.
2007年4月7日 星期六
2007年4月6日 星期五
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