Air plants (Tillandsia) are are somewhat trendy and also easy to care for. As you will gather from their name they do not need to be planted in soil but merely need some form of support to keep them in place. Rather than drawing up water through their roots air plants? acquire moisture and nutrients through their leaves. When you keep these plants in your home they will need some water as is explained in this article which I found over on the Gardening Channel.
Air plants (Tillandsia) are a fascinating contemporary gardening trend. These perennial evergreen plants are one of the easiest to grow species of plants out there. Unlike most plants, air plants don?t require soil, so they can grow almost anywhere.
Air plant leaves are the providers of water and nutrients for the plant. Air plant roots provide a system of anchors to help the plant adhere to trees or rocks. The roots can be removed with no harm to the plant. This enables you to place your air plant almost anywhere.
Air plants can be enjoyed tacked onto fountains or wreaths. They can be placed in terrarium type containers, into pots, or into hanging glass bulbs. They can be glued into shells or onto decorative stones. Air plants? odd and interesting forms and shapes allow your creativity and imagination to run wild.How to Care for Air Plants
Air
Air plants do not need soil. In fact, soil will cause your air plant to rot and die. They grow in air rather than in soil, and they absorb water through small scales on the surface of the air plant?s leaves. These scales can be rubbed off easily; so don?t handle your air plant any more than necessary. Since air is an important element for your plant?s survival, encourage plenty of air circulation.
Water
Water is an air plant essential. The humid conditions of a bathroom create a favorable environment for your plant. You?ll still need to water your plant -even in the more humid areas of your home. Be prepared to mist your plant two to three times a week to supply the plant with its much needed moisture. Or you can immerse your air plant in room temperature water for a half hour every seven to ten days. Air plants with bulbs or flowers should not be submerged, but can be watered upside down under running water.
Too much water will cause your plant to rot. Allow your air plant to dry completely before you water the plant again. Watch the leaves for signs of when to water. If they start to dehydrate and curl on the edges, water them.
See more at the Gardening Channel
