Tillandsia – Air Plants
A fascinating, and widely diverse group of plants that are part of the Bromeliad family. With over 600 currently recorded species, living in habitats ranging from dry deserts to humid rain forests, these epiphytic little plants have evolved to survive without the need to be permanently rooted. They take in water and nutrients via their leaves, and can live on rocks, trees, or in the case of Spanish Moss nothing, literally hanging from telephone wires.
Tillandsia Usneoides – Spanish Moss
Spanish Moss is very adaptable and will be happy in any room of your home as long as it receives bright, indirect light.
They do best in relatively warm , humid conditions, so a bright kitchen or bathroom is ideal.
Water approximately once a week if kept in a hot, dry environment, less often if kept in a cool, humid one.
This is best achieved by giving it a quick soak when it`s completely dry.
This is best done in the morning, as Air Plants photosynthesise at night.
You can water several different ways, you just need to imitate a downpour of rain. You can dip the entire plant in a bucket of water, or pour water over the plant. It`s just important that you then shake the plant well to remove any excess moisture before putting it back in place. This is important as they do not like being constantly wet, this can cause the plant to rot. If kept in its preferred bright location, with good air circulation, then you shouldn`t have any problems.
Preferably use rainwater, or tap water that has been left to stand.
Average room temperatures are fine, although will tolerate much higher and lower temperatures.
Once established they will grow, and thrive.
Can be simply hung from a hook, glued to rock or wood, or simply hung from another plant. As long as you can move it to water it, it doesn`t mind.
Warnings:
Not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
