Air Plants Introduction
Air plants (Tillandsia) for interior decoration have been popular for a while. They are evergreen, perennial flowering plants, which are native to Central and South America, the southern US. There are around 650 species, which naturally grow in diverse environment, from forests to deserts, from coasts to mountains.
The name "air plant" comes from their capability to grow without soil. Most are epiphytes, which attach to other plants. However, they do not steal nutrients or water from their host, only using it as a home to grow on. And some are aerophytes, which have no roots and grow on shifting desert dirt. Most species absorb moisture and nutrients through the leaves from rain, dew, dust, decaying leaves and insects.
Air plants photosynthesize through a process called CAM cycle, where they close their stomata during the day to prevent water loss and open them at night to fix carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This allows them to preserve water, because they can only absorb water in small amounts through their leaves.
Air plants love being placed in a bathroom or kitchen window (indirect light), and the steam/moisture will keep them happy!
If you are using tap water, let the water stand for several hours to dissipate any chemicals prior to watering the plants. When possible its best to use pond, aquarium, or rain water. Bottled water and spring water are also OK to use, but never use distilled or artificially softened water!
The name "air plant" comes from their capability to grow without soil. Most are epiphytes, which attach to other plants. However, they do not steal nutrients or water from their host, only using it as a home to grow on. And some are aerophytes, which have no roots and grow on shifting desert dirt. Most species absorb moisture and nutrients through the leaves from rain, dew, dust, decaying leaves and insects.
Air plants photosynthesize through a process called CAM cycle, where they close their stomata during the day to prevent water loss and open them at night to fix carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This allows them to preserve water, because they can only absorb water in small amounts through their leaves.
BASIC AIR PLANT CARE
Air plants are supposed to be easy to grow, although they still need the basic things for all plants ---- light, water, air, nutrition and temperature.
Light
For indoors, they need to be near an adequate light source. This can be within 3-5 feet of a window, or near an artificial light source. Don't get too much direct sun.Air plants love being placed in a bathroom or kitchen window (indirect light), and the steam/moisture will keep them happy!
Water
Air plants will be healthiest with watering at least once a week. Plants that are constantly being dried out from A/C or heaters will require more moisture than a plant that is located in a more humid environment. You can also mist your plants as needed in between watering, but misting should not be used as a sole source of moisture in most cases.If you are using tap water, let the water stand for several hours to dissipate any chemicals prior to watering the plants. When possible its best to use pond, aquarium, or rain water. Bottled water and spring water are also OK to use, but never use distilled or artificially softened water!
Temperature
Temperature is not critical, they can live from range being from 10 °C (50 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F).
Following are a few decoration ideas I find from internet.
Comments
Post a Comment