Types of air plants (sky plants)
types of air plants for your home | air plants care. Air plants (Tillandsia) became hugely popular. In recent years, these unique plants have made their way into homes as a decor staple. Even as their name suggests, sky plants will accept their roots within the air, no soil required. People love them for his or her versatility because you’ll get very creative with displays when your plant isn’t rooted within the soil.
We put together this ultimate Tillandsia care guide so you recognize the way to the best lookout of them. During this guide, you’ll find epiphyte care tips and requirements, sorts of air plants also as commonly asked questions.
What are air plants?
Air plants (Tillandsia) are incredibly unique and are available in 450 different varieties. They’re classified under the bromeliad family which covers a good sort of 3,475 mainly tropical plant species — this suggests that air plants are associated with pineapples! They sleep in different regions that range from the highest of Argentina to the southern US. The 2 main sorts of air plants are xeric and mesic. Xeric Tillandsia sleeps in desert climates and may survive with less water and more sun than their tropical counterparts (mesic Tillandsia).
Air plants latch their roots to trees, rocks, and other plants and collect water that accumulates on their base. For instance, during a tropical habitat, they sleep in the trees collecting water from humidity and water that pools within the trees’ branches. Thanks to their acclimation to the rainforest and warm desert weather, they like temperatures within the range of 50–90° F (10–32° C). Mesic Tillandsia prefers humid air while xeric Tillandsia prefers arid air. If you don’t sleep in a neighborhood that boasts their preferred conditions, no got to worry — there are ways to duplicate that environment and air plants are fairly resilient.
Sky plants come in a large sort of size and colors. Epiphyte varieties home in size from two inches to seven feet. The varieties that are frequently found in stores are typically 2 to 5 inches in size. There are varieties that bloom flowers but this usually signals that the plant is near the top of its life cycle. Before air plants die they release pups (baby air plants) that get older to be a bit like the first.
5 types of air plants
Sky plants vary in sizes. They also come in a variety of color combinations. You can find many kinds of pastel color variety in these air plants.
As described earlier air plants come in 2 different categories i.e. Xeric and mesic.
Air plants with fuzzy texture and silver, green color tones are termed as Xeric. Air plants with smoother texture and bright colors and termed as Mesic.
Let us have a look at some types of air plants (sky plants) species.
1. Tillandsia cyanea (Pink Quill)
The pink quill epiphyte is known for its distinct bright pink feather-like bloom. Another thing that creates the pink quill plant unique is that it can grow in soil. It does even as well-being grew in either soil or within the air. The beautiful pink quill will occasionally have flowers bloom thereon. Although the flowers only last a few days and therefore the quill can only support about two flowers at a time.
2. Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish Moss)
Spanish moss looks quite different from the opposite epiphyte varieties with its long stringy texture. In its natural environment, the plant drapes over tree branches, creating a stunning ethereal effect. Spanish moss isn’t Spanish. It got its nickname from French explorers who thought it seemed like a Spanish Conquistador’s beard.
3. Tillandsia bulbosa
The bulbosa’s lanky bracts create a stark contrast to the massive bulbous roots. If grown outdoors, this plant develops a symbiotic relationship with ants. The ants find shelter within the bulbs and therefore the plant feeds on the ant’s waste. As another bonus, this variety does well in low-light conditions. A downside of Tillandsia bulbosoa is that water can get trapped within the base easily and cause plant disease if it’s not dried properly after being watered.
4. Tillandsia aeranthosbergeri
This variety blooms every spring, revealing gorgeous pink and purple flowers. Tillandsia aeranthosbergeri grows pups very quickly, faster than other varieties, so it’s an excellent option for somebody who likes to propagate their plants. Compared to other Tillandsia houseplant varieties, it is a much larger epiphyte variety. These will grow to about six to nine inches.
5. Tillandsia ionantha (Fuego)
Fuego air plants are small but mighty at two inches tall. What they lack tall is formed up for in color — these plants have stunning bright red and orange hues to them. They hail from Mexico and South America in humid warm forests, in order that they love when their caretakers can mimic this environment.
How to look after an air plant
Air plant care may vary supported the species except for the foremost part, they need similar care requirements. Take special note of whether your epiphyte is xeric (desert-dwelling) or mesic (tropical-dwelling) as this may affect their care requirements. Read on to find out more about light, water, temperature preferences, toxicity, pests, problems, repotting and propagation.
Air plants care
Sunlight
Air plants prefer bright, indirect light. They ought to be placed near a natural light that receives light for many of the days. If the world you reside in has higher humidity, the plant can take more light without getting too dried out. If you’ve got a xeric epiphyte, it’ll be more tolerant of the direct or bright sun.
Sky plants can survive under a man-made light. If you select this feature, your plants will need a minimum of 12 hours of fluorescent light and be no further than three feet from the sunshine.
Water
The amount of water that air plants need depends on the conditions they sleep in. Drier, hotter environments will end in the plant wanting to be watered more often — more humid, cooler climates would require less. Mesic air plants typically got to be watered hebdomadally and xeric air plants every fortnight. The essential watering guidelines are as follows:
- Soak your air plant’s roots in temperature water for 10–15 minutes.
- Flip them the wrong way up (root side up) on a towel in sunlight and allow them to dry completely (usually for one to 3 hours).
- Place your plant back and mist it one to 2 times every week.
Temperature
Tillandsia prefers temperatures between 50–90° F (10–32° C). Luckily, they will still survive in temperatures outside of that range. They’re going to be happiest in humid air which is why they thrive in sunny bathrooms where they will absorb the shower’s humidity. Some people attempt to replicate a damp environment by misting their air plants a few of times every week.
Note: If your epiphyte hasn’t fully dried in three hours, then move it to a brighter area to form sure it dries. It could get plant disease if stays wet longer than three hours.
Read also
How to grow long beans. How to grow orchids. Jade plants growing and care tips. Growing oregano and care tips. Chinese cabbage Growing and care tips. Onion growing in containers. Growing grapes in containers. Zinnia flowers Growing and care guide. Nigella Damascena growing and care guide. Tomatoes growing tips. Gaillardia growing from seeds. Blueberry bush growing in containers.
For pin
