Commonly known as the ‘Air Carnation’ because the grey foliage resembles that of carnations, although the plants are not closely related and the flowers are very different.
The genus Tillandsia belongs to the family Bromeliaceae and comprises more than 350 species of mostly epiphytic growing plants in South and Central America. This one grows on trees, rocks or even telegraph wires.
The „Air Plant“ is commonly well known in Central Europe as an exotic indoor plant that just needs a very light place and watering once a week by briefly submerging them.
Tillandsias can only obtain their water if it is sat on their leaves, in nature through dew, fog and rain. They are covered in suction scales (trichomes) which capture moisture, these scales automatically close when your plant has enough moisture. Dehydration can be noticed by flaccid, wrinkled or rolled leaves. In spring the Air Plant flowers with pretty blue to red inflorescences.