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Now This Is Something You Don't See Every Day!
Now This Is Something You Don't See Every Day!
Chad Wilkens, who works for Spring-Green in our Baton Rouge, Louisiana location sent in a picture of a plant growing on a tree. Wilkens originally thought it may be a type of lichen, the plant-like structures that grow on a number of trees or even rocks and are pale green in color. However this plant was a bit different and growing along with the lichens on the tree. I have actually seen these plants for sale in gift shops at botanical gardens and arboretums over the years.
It is called an Air Plant, Tillandsia or Tillys. They are called Air Plants as they do not root in soil. Their roots are used to anchor them in place, but they do not absorb water. When growing them outdoors, many people will glue them onto a rock or other decorative place or even arrange them so that the roots are wedged into the bark of a tree. They can be grown as house plants or, if you live in a warmer climate year round, they can be grown outdoors.
Care for these plants are pretty simple. Wet the plant thoroughly two or three times a week if grown indoors and be sure that they dry out completely within a couple of hours. Too much water will lead to the plant’s demise. Air Plants can survive outdoors as long as they are protected from frost. Watering may not be an issue outdoors, especially in a humid environment like Baton Rouge. Even there, these plants can dry out and may need supplemental watering.
You can tell if they need water by observing the exaggeration of the natural concave curve of each leaf. Be sure that that any excess water is shaken out by turning the plant upside down. The one thing that Air Plants cannot tolerate is to be in standing water.
There are numerous websites that provide instructions on caring for these plants. These seem like fairly easy plants to grow, so I may try to locate some in my area. I am always interested in unusual plants and an Air Plant does fit that definition.
Do you have any bizarre plants growing in your area? Contact your local Spring-Green or comment below as we would love to hear about your interesting finds.