Saturday, March 24, 2012

Air Plants

Tillandsias, or air plants got their name because they do not need to be planted in soil. They are wonderful little creatures - besides being beautiful, they also require very little maintenance,  at least if you live in a tropical climate.  They would not do well in the cold.  Tillandsias make great decorations for your home, your garden, or your table.  I use hot glue to secure the little plants on anything from an old piece of driftwood to a smooth river rock.  They can also be wired onto objects, like I have done with the ones on my "living picture".


I encourage you to try your hand at growing air plants.  All the care they need is to mist them with water occasionally. You can bring them indoors for a while, but make sure they get some sunlight to keep them happy. I found that partial shade/ filtered light is best.

These are glued on driftwood


The silvery beard-looking thing is another popular air plant.  It hangs from a potted orchid.


I made this living picture out of a frame, some wire and various tillandsias

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It hangs on the side of the garage.


Tillandsias and beach glass glued on a piece of driftwood make a centerpiece.


I got the copper lights from  Restoration Hardware.


Another air plant hanging from driftwood on the deck.


These plants are just so sculptural. I love them!


A tillandsia hot glued onto a river rock.

I will keep experimenting with these versatile plants.  In the mean time, drop me a line, let me know if you have a favorite. 

2 comments:

  1. How do you water the plants with lighting attached. Example: The driftwood with air plants glued to it with lights.

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  2. The lights I used for that piece are the battery operated fairy lights from Restoration Hardware. I water them plants by misting and it seems to not bother the lights. I have had this for over a year and they still work.

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