Tillandsias are epiphytes or air plants. It is a plant that grows upon another plant (such as a tree) non-parasitically or sometimes upon some other object (such as a building or a telegraph wire), derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes from debris accumulating around it. Roots may develop primarily for attachment, and specialized structures (for example, cups and scales) may be used to collect or hold moisture.
When this was given to me by a friend, it was a mere three inches long and after about 3 years, is now a whopping twelve inches! But much to my own chagrin, it should have been much bigger by now had I not neglected it, also labouring under the misconception that it didn't need any extra water apart from rain.
This one hasn't developed any roots and is just wedged between a dead branch and the tree trunk. Epiphytic organisms usually derive only physical support and not nutrition from their host.
This one might well be Tillandsia albida, in the family Bromeliaceae (Bromiliad), but I'm not sure. There are over 550 species of Tillandsia (plus many hybrids), that grow in the Mexico, South and Central Americas.
Bromeliad Tillandsia have a life cycle of one plant growing to maturity and blooming. Before, during or after blooming (depending on the species) your plant will start producing young (PUPS), most plants will produce between 2 - 8 pups which in turn will mature, generally within a year and in turn bloom and produce pups.
Tillandsias DO have to be watered, they live 'in' air, not 'on' air. They are NOT toxic to animals, although this does not mean your pet won't eat them, but they will survive the experience, your plant might not. Tillandsias are NOT parasitic, they do not harm the host tree. Trim away brown, bent or damaged leaves, this will not hurt the plant.
Watering is one of the most important aspects of succeeding with Tillandsias, and one of the most misunderstood. Because their common name is Air Plants, people tend to think of these plants as needing little or no water (as living on air). This is the biggest mistake you can make. Tillandsias NEED water, although they can survive for long periods of drought.
Thoroughly wet your Tillandsia 2-3 times per week; more often in a hot, dry environment; less often in a cool, humid one. They need to be watered (underneath as well as on top) to the point of runoff as though they've just gone through a rain storm, AT LEAST twice a week.
They do not need much in the way of fertiliser - in fact it is better not to give them any fertiliser. Some growers like to give a little liquid fertiliser (diluted 25%) a couple of times a year to assist in flowering and to speed up the production of 'pups' - the baby plants.
NEVER 'plant' your Tillandsia. Putting a Tillandsia in soil is almost certain death to your plant. If you want it in a pot to look like a normal plant and you need to add some weight to stop it falling over, use gravel, pebbles or any other medium that drains rapidly. If your plant is placed in anything that holds water or moisture and doesn't dry out between waterings it will ROT!!! This is not a good thing!!!
Tillandsia aldiba (Photo Dave's Garden)
Don't leave water sitting in the crevices of big, fleshy Bromeliads - Tillandsias. And don't let them freeze! If you suffer particularly cold winters, rather bring your Tillandsia inside, if possible, otherwise maybe try and offer some protection against frost.
For more great info on care and on how to revive a neglected plant, read more HERE
