Glasshouse plants

Tillandsia stricta
Air plant

Tillandsias are also known as air plants, because they don’t need soil to grow. They are epiphytic and absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. They do have roots, but these are used only for anchoring to other plants or structures. Although tillandsias often grow on other plants, they are not parasitic, they depend on the host only for support.

Tillandsias are members of the bromeliad family and are native to Central and South America, Mexico and the southern states of North America. There are about 400 known species growing in deserts, forests and mountains.

Tillandsia stricta is native to Brazil and is one of the most common bromeliads in Brazil. It is a clump forming perennial with small rosettes of fibrous, grey leaves. A single plant will produce offspring, called ‘pups’, and can produce up to a dozen pups per plant. Each rosette is about 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long and produces a bloom in the middle of the plant, about 20cm (8in) long with several bright pink or light pink bracts. After the rosette flowers, it dies off.

Air plants can be grown on any sort of medium, with rocks, crystals, shells and drift wood all common to use for support. Attach the air plant to the medium with a small amount of non-toxic adhesive glue, or tie onto a support with fishing line.

Tillandsia stricta a tender plant and does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F), so it is more suitable for the house or conservatory, but could be placed outside over summer in a warm, sheltered spot. It likes bright light and will survive in dappled shade, but keep it out of full sun. All air plants like good ventilation as it helps keep the leaves dry.

Mist every two or three days from mid spring to mid autumn and once a month mist with a quarter strength water soluble fertiliser. If the leaves start to dry and curl up, this is a sign of under-watering. In this case, soak the plant in a tub of water for an hour or two.

Propagate by pulling the pups off the mother plant.

Michelle Urquhart

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