Care of the indoor plant Tillandsia aeranthos or Air plant |
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The genus Tillandsia, family Bromeliaceae, comprises 600 species of epiphytic plants native to the American continent. Some species are: Tillandsia aeranthos, Tillandsia usneoides, Tillandsia cyanea, Tillandsia australis, Tillandsia dyeriana, Tillandsia imperialis, Tillandsia fasciculata, Tillandsia geminiflora. Common names: Flower of the air, Air plant. This species is native to native of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The stem of these plants reaches 60 cm (23.6") in length and is covered with numerous leaves arranged in rows. The leaves have small grayish scales, hug the stem and have an elongated triangular shape. It produces small purple or dark blue flowers. They bloom in summer. They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants but can be grown outside in hot and humid weather. Tillandsia aeranthos needs a full or bright sun exposure. They do not resist frost. These epiphytic plants collect nutrients from ambient humidity. In summer, the leaves should be sprayed weekly with lime-free water. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are easy to grow plants and very resistant to pests and diseases. They are propagated in spring from cuttings by separating young branches. |
Images of the indoor plant Tillandsia aeranthos or Air plant |
 Tillandsia aeranthos  Tillandsia aeranthos  Tillandsia aeranthos  Tillandsia aeranthos |