Thursday, August 27, 2020

Tillandsia Ionantha | Popular Air Plant



The Ionantha subgenus of Tillandsia is endemic to Mexico, Costa Rica, and certain areas of South America.  It likes warmer, humid conditions but will do just fine in a dryer environment with regular misting.  There have been a large amount of Ionantha clones, hybrids, and cultivars created all with their own unique characteristics.  

Common Ionantha varieties include: 

Ionantha Ionantha, Ionantha Guatemala, Ionantha Mexican, Ionantha Rubra, Ionantha Fuego, Ionantha Peanut, Ionantha Victoriana, Ionantha Rosita, and more by the day as these popular plant is hybridised by delighted growers.

Tillandsia Ionantha species enjoy strong sunlight, so they should also be kept in an area that gets adequate light throughout the day(east/west facing windows are best).  

Soaking the plant once or twice a week depending on the environment is a common and successful method of hydrating, and regular misting as needed.  And don't forget, always water your air plants in the morning and make sure to shake off any excess water before setting them out to dry!

#Tillandsia #airplant #airplantssydney

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Spanish Moss - Tillandsia Usneoides


Tillandsia Usneoides (Spanish Moss) is an epiphytic plant from the Bromeliad family that often grows upon larger trees in tropical and subtropical climates, native to much of Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central America, South America, the Southern United States, West Indies and is also naturalised in Queensland (Australia)

Spanish moss like many Tillandsia is covered with trichomes (tiny gray scales), these trap water until the plant can absorb it. The plant’s tissues can hold more water than the plant needs, to keep it going through dry periods. When the tissues plump up after a rain, Spanish moss appears more green. As the water is used, it returns to a gray hue.

Buy Spanish Moss in Sydney


Flowering and Seeds:

Spanish Moss produces a beautiful but very small flower and shortly after can get pollenated and form a seed pod. These seeds are light with feathery appendages and much like a compact dandelion seed. This allows them to float through the air until they land on a good spot to grow: another tree or rock.

Why Grow Air Plants in Sydney?

Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are a type of tropical plant that grow without soil. They have adapted to grow in the wild on other su...