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.