How to Grow Tillandsia

Tillandsia is an air plant that grows on trees and on rocks -- it is rarely grown in pots. Tillandsia is also known as Spanish moss. It is found either with green or gray leaves. Tillandsia was once a rare plant, but is now growing more in gardens mounted on solid objects such as rocks, shells, driftwood and slate. Only a few varieties of tillandsia plants can adapt to soil: T. cyanea variety or T. lindenii.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tillandsia off-shoot Razor knife Adhesive glue Low copper liquid fertilizer Sprayer Fluorescent bulbs

1. Divide an off-shoot, or pup, of the tillandsia mother plant, and mount it on its own when the off-shoot is half the size of the mother plant. Separate the pup from the plant using a sharp razor knife. Secure the pup to a rock or slate using a strong adhesive glue. Add glue to the mount, and stick the plant to it. Avoid gluing the roots or base.

2. Mount the tillandsia pup in a location with bright light, but not direct sun. Any direction is favorable except for the north. If you are growing your tillandsia indoors, away from a window, grow it under fluorescent bulbs. You can purchase fluorescent lights at any home store.

3. Saturate the tillandsia plant using a spray mister. If the air is hot and dry, mist the plant daily. If the air is cool, misting three times a week is sufficient.

4. Grow your Tillandsia plants in a warm location with air temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees. The plants thrive in high humidity such as 50 percent. Although the tillandsia plants will survive freezing temperatures, they thrive in warm weather.

5. Purchase a low copper liquid fertilizer at any home and garden store. Dilute the liquid with water to one-fourth strength. Apply the fertilizer to the base of the mounted plant with a sprayer.

Tips & Warnings

• Grow the tillandsia plants in decorative groupings. Other sufficient mountings for your tillandsia plants are coral, cork, driftwood or stone.
• Do not underwater your tillandsia plant. If the leaves curl under, submerge the plant in water to restore it back to health.