Question
QUESTION: Hi Will,

I need your help on the care and nurturing of Tillandsia. Mine sits in an unobstructed west-facing windowsill and is watered about once a week by submersing it under water for several seconds until no more air bubbles rise to the surface. Although the plant is generally is doing well and has grown significantly in the few months since its purchase, leaf tipping is an ongoing issue.

As you can see in the photos emailed to you, the Tillandsia came glue-mounted on an ugly ceramic lily pad bearing an equally ridiculous resident crocodile. Would it harm the plant to remove it? And then what should I do with it post-op?

How large do these plants grow? When can I expect to see flowers?

One final question...How do Tillandsias uptake adequate nutrients? Is this a plant that literally lives on air and water or should I remember to fertilize regularly?

Thanks for your help. You are the best!

Chloe

ANSWER: Hi Chloe,

Tillandsias are epiphytes meaning that in nature they grow in tropical forests attached to tree trunks. The have fine root systems that absorb moisture from regular rains and humid air and nutrients from bits of tree debris that washes over them. Because the roots are not buried in the soil, they are also exposed to a constant flow of air.

That is why epiphytes (Bromeliads, many Orchid species, Epiphyllum, staghorn ferns, et. al.) are not potted in soil. Instead they are potted in very porous materials that allow a great deal of air circulation around the roots.

Even among epiphytes, Tillandsias require less water than most, which is why they are often called air plants.

Tillandsias are sold in all manner of odd containers, such as sea shells and mounted on everything imaginable. There adaptability makes Tillandsias targets for cutesy marketing gimmicks.

Feel free to liberate your Tillandsia, but keep as much of the roots and rooting material intact as possible. You can plant it in almost anything that you want, including a very small pot filled with sphagnum moss. As long as the roots are surrounded by a small quantity of porous, absorbent material, than it can be put in or attached to virtually anything. Your choice and your chance to be creative!

Tillandsias rarely become very large. Providing lots of bright light, moist air and light fertilizer will enhance their growth and flowering potential. Flowers will develop only on mature plants of at least seven years.

Although Tillandsias require little water, they do not live on air alone. Keeping in mind their natural habitat, Tillandsias do best in a humid environment with a weekly soaking of the small mass covering their roots. Because they do absorb moisture through their leaves as well as their roots, they benefit from a daily misting. A very dilute fertilizer added to the spray mist will also benefit your Tillandsia.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the terrific information, Will! I do have a follow-up question. You said,

"Feel free to liberate your Tillandsia, but keep as much of the roots and rooting material intact as possible."

The Tillandsia is firmly glued to a ceramic base without any apparent rooting material at all. How do I liberate the plant without tearing off its roots?

Chloe  

Answer
Hi Chloe,

I couldn't really see the ceramic base in the photo. Can you simply break the ceramic and liberate it that way? Otherwise, can you use a sharp knife or razor blade to separate the roots from the base?

Am I missing something here?

Regards,
Will Creed