Gift Giving Is in The Air Plants this Holiday Season
by Laurelynn Martin
Air Plants, also known as Tillandsias, are wonderful carefree plants for practically anyone. Most Tillandsia species are epiphytes, meaning they normally grow without soil while attached to other plants. These hardy plants usually absorb moisture and nutrients through the leaves from rain or dew.
Tillandsia do well in bright or filtered light, only need to be misted once or twice a week and are great for beginning gardeners or anyone who wants something a little different and interesting. Here are a few of our favorite airplants that are popular with Logee’s customers year-round:
Tillandsia Ionantha Ball
Finally, if you’re looking for a unique holiday ornament, the Tillandsia Ionantha Ball is it! The 4” Ball is actually a cluster of many small tillandsia that create a living ornament. The greenish-silver leaves turn red prior to the purple flowers emerging. Grow in filtered light and drench with water a couple times a week.
Tillandsia Ionantha Ball
Tillandsia Tectorum
Our newest Tillandsia Tectorum is like a character out of a Dr. Seuss book with its pure white fuzzy leaves that splay outward and look like a burst of fireworks. Originally from Central America, they grow on the tops of tall trees and tolerate bright light. And, they only need to be misted once a week. Watch for the purple reddish flower spike that blooms in springtime. We sell Tillandsia Tectorum individually or as a set on a pair of Air Plant Stands.
Tillandsia Tectorum on Air Plant Stands
Tillandsia Abdita
Another unusual Tillandsia is the red Abdita that is displayed on top of a dried cactus shell called a cholla. The cholla looks like a wooden skeleton with holes throughout. We offer a pair of 3” x 3” Cholla Tillandsias. They only require misting once or twice a week to keep the tillandsias healthy.
Cholla Tillandsia Set
Spiraled Shell Tillandsia Garden
Another favorite way to display several tillandsias is our Spiraled Shell Tillandsia Garden. It only requires partial sun and misting a couple times a week. This stunning display of three tillandsias, includes a Belize Bulbosa, a red Brachycaulos Abdita and a silvery-green Ionantha. They are “planted” on top of a sustainably-harvested spiraled shell with green reindeer moss as the finishing touch.
Spiraled Shell Tillandsia Garden
At Logee’s, we love the whimsical nature of air plants and the creative ways in which they are displayed. We hope you do, too! You can learn more about these Tillandsia below:
Thanks for visiting. Please be sure to explore our selection of fruiting, rare and tropical plants. And don’t forget to request your free Logee’s catalog, too!