Hey Everyone,
I wanted to take the time to go over key elements to not only keeping your Air Plant happy, but what you can do to make it thrive! There is a lot of misinformation on the internet about Air Plants, and I want to share what works for me! That being said I have been working with Tillandsias since 2011. I care for as many as 500 different species and hybrids. Along the way I have killed many plants, gathering information on best practices. Hopefully my experience can help those who want a so called Green Thumb when it comes to Air Plants.
Part 1: Introduction - What is a tillandsia?
Tillandsia is a genus of the Bromeliad family. These plants can be found, in different habitats across the Americas. Within the genus, there is a profound difference amongst different species. There are species that can be found in tropical locations, and do best in environments with high humidity, and enjoy the cover of a forest canopy. These plants are considered mesic. Below is an example of a messic specie.
Xeric species are plants that do best in arid environments. These plants are designed to go without water for months, and are often found in areas with little to not cover from the sun. Below is an example of a Xeric Tillandsia.
As you can see the messic plant example is much greener, and has softer leaves. The xeric species has harder wider leaves and is covered in Trichomes, which gives it its bright white complexion. Trichomes are important, and are considered a type of sunscreen for the plant. All airplants have trichomes, but some have more than others. Trichomes also help the plant take in water. As you can see Tillandsia Xerographica, is well equipped to survive a more desert like environment. The high level of trichomes makes it so the plant can withstand bright light levels, and grab more moisture out of the area. Also it has wide leaves giving it the ability to take in more water. All of these features make it possible for the plant to survive and thrive within its natural habitat.
The Takeaway
Now what should you take away from this information? When selecting air plants for your home, consider your environment, and the type plant person you are. Do you have a bright home with lots of windows, and don't really have the time to constantly part and care for you plant? Well then a xeric variety would do much better for you. Or are the type of person who loves to baby their plants with routine watering cycles, and prefer to keep the plants in a low light environment. Well then a mesic variety would do much better for you.
Even though we have discussed these two categories of plants, there are still a lot of factors we have not gone over in detail. Like what is considered a lot of light? How do you measure that light? How much water is too much? How much water is too little? How often do you water? These are all questions we will go over.
