Scientific Name Tillandsia usneoides (Tillandz' lichen-like plant)
Common Name Air-plant, Grandfather's Whiskers, Graybeard, Long Moss, Old Man's Beard, Spanish Moss, Wool Crepe, Black Moss, Florida Moss
Origin Native to tropical areas in the Americas, from the Southeastern US to the West Indies to Northern South America
Description Air Plants are fascinating plants which grow not in soil but, seemingly, in thin air! They have adapted to draw the water they need from the water vapour in the air and can grow nestled in trees high up, away from the soil but in the perfect spot to draw what they need- and reach more sunlight than filters through to the ground! In your home, they can sit in many different spots- just don't sit them in water or soggy soil! Why not try our air plant holders, lined with shell on earth to really make a feature of this plant? Or mimic its natural environment and sit your air plant in the branches or a larger houseplant! This variety is a fountain of long, tangled green foliage which we love to hang off our shelves to watch it shower every corner of the shop with greenery. Light Likes bright, indirect light; think of the dappled light you'd get in the branches of a tree. Water You can water your air plant one of three ways... Misting: mist lightly around twice a week. Dunking: dip your air plant's leaves into water every couple of weeks. Dip it in water in the daytime, gently shake it out afterwards, and let it dry in a well-lit spot, upside down so that the water doesn't settle in the folds of the leaves. These plants will rot if left soggy! Humidity: keep it in a very humid room or with a humidity tray or humidifier.
Humidity If you are relying on the air to hydrate your plant, it needs to be very humid; if you're watering by misting or dunking, average humidity is fine.
Soil This plant doesn't require soil or a growing medium.
Food Either use Air Plant mist which contains nutrients once a week, or add a Bromeliad or Orchid fertiliser to your dunking water at half strength when you come to water it. Temperature Average household temperatures of about 15-30°C are perfect- make sure it doesn't drop below 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips Air plants are able to absorb water through their leaves, but will rot if they are left soggy. Whichever way you choose to hydrate your plant, make sure you don't overdo it!
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.