(photograph = Tillandsia xerographica)
Introduction
Tillandsias are plants that live on trees, shrubs, and sometimes rocks. They get their moisture from rain and fog and they get nutrients from dust in the air or plant debris. Though they are not typical succulents, they are drought resistant, and some survive in Nature with just fog and occasional rains for moisture. Tillandsias are popular as indoor garden plants because they are relatively easy to care for and because of their unusual shapes. One of the most unusual and stately Tillandsias is T. xerographica.
The Details
T. xerographica is a beautiful plant. It is light green or silvery green and sometimes has a pinkish cast. It is the perfect plant for displaying on a living room table or in a window. The leaves grow long and spiral in beautiful ringlets.
T. xerographica is from warm, dry areas and will do fine with dry indoors air if it has care. Essentially, the plants should be soaked in water for 2-4 hours every week or two. After soaking the plants should be placed upside down on a towel for a few hours to dry. In winter, water the plant less often, every 2-3 weeks. During the week the plant can be misted with distilled water. Misting should be done early enough that the plant dries before evening. T. xerographica likes bright light or even a few hours of morning sunlight in an east window.
Buy Tillandsia fertilizer at http://ctsairplants.com.
Additional Reading: Tillandsia xerographica
