Tillandsia, known as air plants, have made their way into people's homes and gardens for years and more recently - bridal bouquets and eco-friendly party favors. In their native habitats, Tillandsia species are epiphytes, meaning they attach themselves to other plants, trees, or rock substrates as a means of support and not parasitic. Roots of this plant are used for attachment rather than absorbing nutrients needed to grow and thrive - air plants absorb this from the atmosphere. Special structures on the leaves called trichomes trap the fallen or wind-blown moisture and debris that will provide the plant with water and nutrients.
Air plants are also divided into two categories - mesic and xeric. Mesic air plants are native to moderately-humid regions such as South American rainforests where they thrive in tree canopies, receiving filtered light. The leaves of the mesic category are typically deeper green, on the smoother side, and slightly cupped. Xeric air plants are native to desert-like climates where they are often found on rocks. The leaves of the xeric category are often wider and will have a larger number of trichomes that give them a gray and fuzzy appearance. The larger surface allows more water and light while the larger trichomes help to reflect harsh light and absorb moisture.
Indoors, Tillandsia can be very forgiving if provided the proper growing environment. They will thrive with bright, indirect light that is usually found in east or west-facing windows. An air plant will bloom only once in its' lifetime with flowers coming in many shapes, sizes, and colors. After flowering, Tillandsias will usually produce "pups" or small offsets that are new plants (usually emerge from the base of the plant).
Tillandsia cyanea or "The Pink Quill Plant" is type of bromeliad that can grow as an air plant while handling very dry-air conditions. Although smaller than typically-found bromeliads sold, the bract is incredibly large and the most attractive part of the plant. Don't be alarmed when the flowers die, the pink bract may last for 2-3 more months before the plant begins to offset (making additional plants on the sides). Cyaneas can be grown as air plants or potted plants and their easy care make them a great addition for plant beginners. If Tillandsia cyanea is not available, it may be substituted with Guzmanias, Vrieseas, or Neoregelias.
SINGLE - PLANT ONLY is one, grower's choice Tillandsia cyanea, or similar bromeliad non-mounted
SINGLE - SITTING is one, grower's choice Tillandsia cyanea or similar bromeliad mounted upright to a piece of grapewood that is 8-14"
SINGLE - HANGING is one, grower's choice Tillandsia cyanea or similar bromeliad mounted vertically to a piece of grapewood that is 13"-18"
SUPER COMBO - SITTING is one, grower's choice Tillandsia cyanea or similar bromeliad and two-three assorted tillandsia mounted upright to a piece of grapewood that is 15"-30"
SUPER COMBO - HANGING is one, grower's choice Tillandsia cyanea or similar bromeliad and two-three assorted tillandsia mounted vertically to a piece of grapewood that is 18-36"+
Grower's choice Tillandsia may include, but is not limited to the following varieties: aeranthos, andicola, andreana, baileyi, bergeri, bromeliad, bulbosa gigante, caput-medusae, cyanea, concolor, duratii, funckiana, gardneri, guzmanias, ionantha, kolbii, lorentziana, neoregelia, recurvata, retorta, schiedeana, streptophylla, stricta, tricholepis, tricolor, velutina, or vrieseas
*You will receive a mounted plant similar to the one(s) pictured. This listing is for grower's choice items - mounted Tillandsia are chosen at random. Plants may or may not have dried end or broken leaves. Although they may ship sooner, Tillandsia are considered pre-order as they require additional processing time being that they are harvested or prepared as ordered. Product is available as standalone or hanging option - holes are drilled in the wood for hanging.
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Foliage:
Red to green or green-toned leaves in random shapes, sizes, lengths.
Blooms:
Inflorescence will be pink bract and blue to violet flowers for cyanea or at random for Tillandsia varieties and may or may not be in bloom at time of shipment.
Fruit:
No
Zoned:
10-11
Environment:
Medium to high humidity. Most Tillandsia will appreciate additional humidity if available. Grows best in 50-80 degrees F and will tolerate as low as 35 degrees for a short period of time. Good air circulation is necessary.
Light:
Bright indirect or filtered light. Avoid North-facing windows due to lack of light exposure. East and West exposure will work best. This will grow outdoors, yet you will want avoid constant, direct sun as it will burn the plants.
Water:
Submerge only the Tillandsias in water every week for up to 5-10 minutes depending on humidity. If you choose not to submerge, the plant(s) should be misted at least two times a week (also depending on humidity) or set to run under running water to wet the leaves. Gently shake to dislodge water then place where plant can sit or hang upside-down or back in place over an absorbent material until the leaves are thoroughly dry. Soggy leaves or overly damp crown/base (especially at mounting point) may encourage leaf drop and disease. Centers of the terrestrial plants should contain fresh water and the moss at the base should be moist, not soggy. Allow center cup and soil-medium to dry completely once every few weeks, but make sure the leaves do not being to run inward. Decrease water in winter - good air circulation is necessary for drying plants back in place.
Fertilizer:
Is not required, but if a bigger and faster growth is sought, use a balanced fertilizer ever 1-2 months during the growing period. It is advisable to use a epiphyte fertilizer mix or a general-purpose fertilizer diluted to 1/4 of the directions.
Notes:
This plant is not considered toxic, but should not be consumed. Plants are shipped with light wrapping and padding according to import/export regulations. Shipping usually occurs on Monday and Tuesday to minimize risk of damage to plants in transit. You may request shipping Wednesday - Friday provided your understanding the live-arrive guarantee is void. USPS First Class mail is not offered on this item due to size and weight limitations with First Class mail restrictions. Prior to shipping, please contact the shop with questions or concerns and familiarize yourself with the shipping policy in FAQ section.