Information on Air Plants 1

Legend has it that as early as 500 B.C., the Greeks grew and displayed plants in closed, see-through containers. But, it was a discovery by Dr. Nathaniel Ward in 1827 that planted the seeds for the modern-day terrarium. Ward, a London physician and botany hobbyist, noticed grass and tiny ferns growing in a glass jar he was using to study a sphinx moth hatching from a cocoon. He surmised that the plants were thriving because they were sealed off from London’s polluted air. For four years, the plants continued to grow without any water, spawning an interest in his “Wardian Cases.” Homeowners throughout England and America embraced the cases as popular parlor décor in the Victorian Era, opening the door to this century’s terrarium trend.

What are Air Plants?What are Tillandsia?

Tillandsia are part of the Bromeliad family, the Genus name is Tillandsia which is also the common name, these are further broken down into species name, most people just call them Air plants. There are over 550 species of Tillandsia (plus many hybrids), that grow in the Mexico, South and Central Americas. They grow naturally only in the New World, with the exception of only one species. There are only 16 species that are native of Florida

Tillandsias take all their water and nutrients through the leaf system, none or very minimal amounts are absorbed by the root system. This root system is used as wire like anchors to hold onto trees, rocks etc. Since the root system is not important to the plant this can be removed without harm, to make make your plant easier to mount. The roots may or may not grow back, either way is doesn't matter to the welfare of your plant.

Growth Cycle

Bromeliad Tillandsia have a life cycle of one plant growing to maturity and blooming. Before, during or after blooming (depending on the species) your plant will start producing young (PUPS), most plants will produce between 2 - 8 pups which in turn will mature, generally within a year and in turn bloom and produce pups. So this year you have one plant, next year maybe 6, the next year 36 and so on. Your plant will actually look better next year than this year as it starts to clump and produce more blooms. Each plant will only flower once in its lifetime, but you should have blooms each year as the pups mature, and in turn flower. Flowers can last from several days to many months, depending on the species and your care.

General Info

Tillandsias DO have to be watered, they live 'in' air, not 'on' air.

Tillandsias are NOT toxic to animals, although this does not mean your pet or rodents won't eat them, but they will survive the experience, your plant might not.

Tillandsias are NOT parasitic, they do not harm the host tree.

Trim away brown, bent or damaged leaves, this will not hurt the plant.

Main reasons Tillandsias die

They were not initially cared for properly (their owner was told they need little or no water).

They did not get enough light (they were more than 10 feet from a bright window or skylight).

They were placed in DIRECT SUN. Garden windows are generally too warm unless they are shaded or facing north.

They were not watered thoroughly and frequently. Bulby and fleshy Tillandsias can rot! Drain them thoroughly and water less frequently.

Tillandsias growing outdoors need more watering than indoor Tillandsias, as the sun and wind dry them out more quickly.

Dry or Wet, Open or Closed
Terrariums are more loosely defined today, with plant people pushing the bounds of design. Some might say a terrarium must be closed off to the outside air, left to maintain its own microclimate. Really, it depends on the types of plants you choose. Succulents, a popular choice these days, require little moisture, which makes them better candidates for an open, dry terrarium. Ferns like a damp den, so a closed vessel is a better pick. Start mixing your moisture-loving plants with the dry fauna and that’s where your green thumb may fail. Generally though, terrariums are über-easy to make and maintain.
Search around your store,cupboards,shelves etc for unused containers,you'll be surprised!There may be containers which you did not want to throw out but remained unused.There may be bits and pieces of materials lying around which you can use to add into your terrarium and create unusual or unique arrangements.

 It does not cost you a lot of money to acquire the plants and a hobby where you can exchange pups with your friends when your tillys pup and you have many to spare,moreover you'll expand your variety when you exchange.Kids love to experiment and create their own scapes.

Plant with gemstones!

Plants-in-a-bottle

Tilly with some succulents

A Variety of Cactii

A Variety of Tillys in a fishbowl

Dryscape