Air plants derive nutrients from everything but soil

Air plants are epiphytes, which means they live on a host for support, but they are not parasitic. They also grow without soil. In nature, epiphytes are most commonly found living on tree trunks or branches in tropical or subtropical regions. The good news is they can be grown indoors, even here in Colorado with our dry climate.

If air plants are not grown in soil, then how do they get nutrients and water? According to the University of Florida, when growing in nature they get “everything they need from the sun, moisture in the air, and organic matter that falls their way”. http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/epiphytes.html.

Epiphytes get their water and nutrients through trichomes -- small, hair-like structures often silvery in color. They open and close to receive and retain water so the plant can absorb moisture and nutrients. Examples of epiphytes are bromeliads, orchids, Spanish moss, some ferns, algae and lichens. But today, we are focusing on a particular species called Tillandsia.

Tillandsia often have a woody base with some root-like structures that help them attach to their host structure. They typically only flower once during their life cycle. Their flowers tend to be red or purple and they bloom for several days to several weeks. The tips of the plant will often turn red or orange in an attempt to attract pollinators.

There are many different varieties and cultivars of Tillandsia. Tillandsia ionantha is the most commons species sold in gift shops. While growing all varieties is possible indoors, the air plants with thicker and stiffer leaves tend to retain moisture longer and are therefore better suited to our drier climates. Tillandsia zerographica is one of the largest air plants growing up to nine inches in diameter and should do quite well here.

Tillandsia species juncea, pruinosa, and caput-medusae are also good possibilities. The latter of which is named after the Greek mythological character Medusa -- the one with the live snakes instead of hair. An image that is always hard to forget.

Basic care for air plants includes providing ambient temperatures indoors, bright but indirect light, adequate air circulation and watering. Lacking roots, these plants need to be soaked and misted regularly. Remove the plants from their container, turn them upside down in a bowl of water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes once a week. Shake off the excess water and lay them on a towel to dry. In addition, misting them several times per week will make for happy plants.

There are endless creative opportunities for displaying air plants. You can place them in a vase or shallow dish. They can be attached to bark, shells, or rocks. Other interesting ideas are hanging glass globes or wire plant stands.

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/indoor/foliage/hgic1515.html.

Word on the street has it that these plants are quite forgiving if you forget to soak or mist them regularly. The biggest challenge with these plants is finding a way to display them so that you can either remove the plant for soaking or soak the entire display on a regular basis. I found a lot of helpful information from an Oklahoma Gardening series about air plants on YouTube. https://youtu.be/_jJ4DQtTcqs

Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.

 Originally published in Broomfield Enterprise - Jan 28, 2018