An Interesting Plant

This is hanging over my kitchen sink.  These two are Tillandsias; a type of Bromeliad. These are quite small as this is a 4 inch diameter globe which helps to hold the humidity.

Tillandsias grow differently than most house plants. They are also called “Air Plants”  and require no soil because water and nutrients (dust) are absorbed through the leaves.  The roots are used only as anchors. Although not normally cultivated for their flowers, some will bloom on a regular basis.

They are really very hardy, and require much less attention than other house plants   Mercer Arboretum Gift Shop has some in the shop. Give them bright, filtered light. Mist your plant every 4-5 days with ONE Spray for tiny globes, 2-3 sprays for globes 3-5 inches, more if the plant is in a large open globe. The key is to judge the drying time, the smaller the globe, the less circulation, the longer the plant will hold the moisture. If you over water the plant it will die.