With their quirky foliage and stunning flowers, who can resist the world of air plants? Horticulturist and self-confessed plant addict, Steve Falcioni shares his growing tips.
I've been totally in love with air plants for many years. I love their diversity, how easy they are to grow and that many produce beautiful, long-lasting flowers. With my collection containing over 100 different types, the addiction is real!
Air plants belong to the genus tillandsia and sit within the bromeliad family. They’re native to Central and South America as well as the southern part of North America. There are over 600 species growing in a range of conditions, but the best-known ones are epiphytes which cling to trees or rock faces.
Despite their common name air plants don’t just ‘live on air’. In the wild they rely on moisture from rain, dew, fog and humidity to keep them hydrated. They have special structures on their leaves, called trichomes, which help with this process. The trichomes also help trap tiny particles of nutrients in the air which serves to fertilise the plants.
Broadly speaking, air plants can be divided into two groups. The first group come from dry, arid locations and have stiff grey or silvery foliage. Give these plants half a day of direct sunlight. The second group come from wetter, humid regions and have softer, green foliage. Position these types in bright shade.
Frequency of watering will depend on your local conditions but they’ll need more during the warmer months and less when it’s cool. As a general guide, if your potted plants need watering then so too will your air plants.
Note that both types should be positioned somewhere that has good airflow, so their foliage dries out after watering, reducing the risk of rotting. For this reason growing them inside is particularly tricky and generally not something I recommend.
Air plants can be attached directly to tree branches, fences or trellises using twine or old stockings. Alternatively, you can mount them onto something smaller, like a piece of driftwood or old cork, and then hang wherever you like. Mounting is best done with aluminium wire or glue, such as Selleys All Clear or Kwik Grip.
Fertilising isn’t necessary but if you want faster growth and improved flowering then drench with a liquid fertiliser, at half strength, every 2-4 weeks during the warmer months.
Air plants are commonly sold in nurseries as well as online but for more inspiration visit the Facebook group “Tillandsia Addicts Australia Buy, Swap, Sell & Share”.
Steve’s Top 5 Easy Air Plants
T. ‘Houston’ – has beautiful silver foliage and stunning hot pink flowers.
T. ionantha – a cute little air plant that explodes into colour when flowering as the surrounding foliage turns pink and then purple flowers emerge (pictured).
T. usneoides– known as Spanish moss or old man’s beard this air plant looks amazing hanging from branches.
T. bergeri – has greyish-green foliage and pale lilac flowers. Develops quickly into a clump.
T. tectorum – adorable for its super furry leaves created by large trichomes. Must have excellent airflow to prevent rotting.
Where to buy
Collectors Plant Fair, Hawkesbury Race Club, Sydney. 13-14 April 2024, visit collectorsplantfair.com
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