Page 15 - Landscape-Issue131

FEATURE

T. ionantha ‘Rock’ Photo: Rare and Air T.ionantha ‘Sunshade’ Photo: Rare and Air T. stricta Photo: Rare and Air

T.velutina basket Photo: Rare and Air T. velutina flower Photo: Rare and Air T. xero Photo: Rare and Air

more air circulating around them. plant in a bowl of water for 30 minutes to been treated with copper substances for
One of the great features of Tillandsias is an hour. mounting.
that they can be moved around. If you want To water plants in containers, remove • never plant in soil or soak plants
to create a feature in your home, you can from the glass ball or basket, submerge overnight;
move the plant for a couple of months and in water for 10-15 minutes, then shake • do not push the plant too deeply into
it will recover when moved back to correct excess water off before returning it to the holes in logs or wood;
light conditions. container. • to protect plants from extreme cold,
Different species will require different It is difficult to overwater Tillandsias as place them under trees or patio covers;
light levels; generally, grey-leaved long as they have exposure to air and dry • do not over-handle air plants.
Tillandsias prefer higher light levels and out between watering to prevent any rot.
green mesic species prefer filtered or bright, In Gauteng with its very dry air, water the Lifespan of Tillandsias
indirect light. In areas with high humidity plants two or three times a week in summer When grown from seed, the plants usually
(such as in KZN), grey-leaved xeric species and once or twice a week in winter. take six to eight years to reach maturity,
can tolerate full sun, but in hot, dry areas, but this varies depending on the species.
they may need a little more protection. Air movement Lifespan also depends on the type,
This is often overlooked but Tillandsias, propagation method and level of care of
Temperature particularly fine-leaved forms, like to have the plants.
The ideal temperatures for Tillandsia are good air flow around them. Be aware of this Pups will mature much more quickly.
between 10 and 32 degrees C. They are fairly if you are displaying them inside and rotate Large, slow growing Tillandsia such as
adaptable to different climates but should the plants regularly. T. xerographica can flower at around
be protected from frost. Certain varieties 12-15 years old, and some will take 25 years
may tolerate cold but some protection is Nutrients to form bloom spikes. More common
recommended in parts of the country with Tillandsias are nutrient scavengers so varieites such as T. aeranthos and T. stricta
cold winters, as well as those areas where don’t require large quantities of nutrients. will flower in spring or summer and their
growing starts in spring, so that they are However, regular fertilising will help the pups will then reach maturity and flower the
acclimatised before the cooler weather. plant to reach its full potential. Fertilise following year. Pups are genetic clones of the
once a month with a general, balanced parent plant so as long as a plant produces
Water liquid fertiliser that has ammonia-based pups, it will continue indefinitely. Specimen
Grey, more stiff-leaved Tillandsias usually nitrogen, not urea. Fertilise at a quarter clumps of plants can be many years old.
require less water than green, fleshier strength of the recommended dosage
leaved or thin leaved varieties. Most plants for ornamental plants, as a foliar feed. Styling and display
will do well with weekly watering. Make A balanced fertiliser can be used from The plants can be grown inside if it is a
sure that plants dry out between waterings, September to March, and then a flower bright, airy space and they are watered
ideally within four hours, and that water and fruit fertiliser in winter. weekly. People often place them in
doesn’t sit between the leaves. bathrooms because they think that the
Water well with a hose or under a tap - Things to avoid: humidity created by the shower will be
this is more effective than gentle misting. • beware of copper as it is toxic to sufficient; this will work but it must be a
Soaking is great if the plant has dried out Tillandsias, and avoid fertilisers that bright, light room and the leaves must get
significantly. Simply submerge the whole contain this, as well as wood that has wet and then be allowed to dry out. Some

Landscape SA • Issue 131 2023 13