690 Species in Genus Tillandsia

Tillandsia: My Air Plant Obsession

I’m Ferb Vu, and I have a confession. I’m obsessed with air plants. Not just any air plants, mind you, but the fascinating genus Tillandsia. These quirky, resilient plants have completely captured my imagination, and I’m eager to share my enthusiasm with you.

What Makes Tillandsia So Special?

First off, let’s clear up a common misconception. While they’re called “air plants,” Tillandsia don’t actually live on air alone. They’re epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, typically trees, for support. But unlike parasites, they don’t steal nutrients from their host. Instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients through specialized structures on their leaves called trichomes. These trichomes give many Tillandsia a fuzzy or silvery appearance, adding to their unique beauty.

What truly sets Tillandsia apart is their incredible diversity. With over 650 recognized species, they come in a mind-boggling array of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some, like Tillandsia ionantha, are tiny and compact, forming rosettes no bigger than a golf ball. Others, like Tillandsia xerographica, can grow to enormous sizes, their silvery leaves arching gracefully like a sculpture. And then there’s the iconic Tillandsia usneoides, better known as Spanish moss, which drapes from trees in ethereal curtains of gray-green.

A World of Tillandsia

Exploring the world of Tillandsia is like embarking on a botanical treasure hunt. Each species has its own unique personality and care requirements. Some thrive in humid environments, while others prefer arid conditions. Some produce vibrant blooms, while others are more subdued in their beauty. Here are:

Tillandsia abbreviata H.Luther
Tillandsia abdita L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia achyrostachys É.Morren ex Baker
Tillandsia acuminata L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia adamsii Read
Tillandsia adpressiflora Mez
Tillandsia aequatorialis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia aeranthos (Loisel.) Desf.
Tillandsia afonsoana Strehl
Tillandsia aguascalientensis C.S.Gardner
Tillandsia aizoides Mez
Tillandsia albertiana Verv.
Tillandsia albida Mez & Purpus
Tillandsia alcatrazensis Sabino & Leodeg.
Tillandsia alfredo-laui Rauh & H.Lehm.
Tillandsia alto-mayoensis Gouda
Tillandsia alvareziae Rauh
Tillandsia andicola Gillies ex Baker
Tillandsia andreana É.Morren ex André
Tillandsia andrieuxii (Mez) L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia angulosa Mez
Tillandsia antillana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia appenii (Rauh) J.R.Grant
Tillandsia araujei Mez
Tillandsia archeri L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia arenicola L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia arequitae (André) André ex Mez
Tillandsia argentea Griseb.
Tillandsia argentina C.H.Wright
Tillandsia arhiza Mez
Tillandsia ariza-juliae L.B.Sm. & Jiménez
Tillandsia arroyoensis (W.Weber & Ehlers) Espejo & López-Ferr.
Tillandsia atenangoensis Ehlers & Wülfingh.
Tillandsia atroviolacea Ehlers & Koide
Tillandsia atroviridipetala Matuda
Tillandsia aurea Mez
Tillandsia australis Mez
Tillandsia bagua-grandensis Rauh
Tillandsia baileyi Rose ex Small
Tillandsia bakiorum H.Luther
Tillandsia balbisiana Schult. & Schult.f.
Tillandsia baliophylla Harms
Tillandsia balsasensis Rauh
Tillandsia bandensis Baker
Tillandsia × baptistana C.N.Gonç. & Azevêdo-Gonç.
Tillandsia barbeyana Wittm.
Tillandsia barclayana Baker
Tillandsia barfussii W.Till
Tillandsia barrosoae W.Till
Tillandsia barthlottii Rauh
Tillandsia bartramii Elliott
Tillandsia bella Strehl
Tillandsia belloensis W.Weber
Tillandsia bergeri Mez
Tillandsia × bergiana Takiz. & Koide
Tillandsia bermejoensis H.Hrom. ex Rauh
Tillandsia bernalensis Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo, López-Ferr. & L.Hern.
Tillandsia biflora Ruiz & Pav.
Tillandsia bismarckii Rauh & H.Lehm.
Tillandsia bochilensis Ehlers ex Rauh & E.Gross
Tillandsia boliviana Mez
Tillandsia bongarana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia bonita Versieux & Martinelli
Tillandsia boqueronensis Ehlers
Tillandsia borealis López-Ferr. & Espejo
Tillandsia borinquensis Cedeño-Mald. & Proctor
Tillandsia borjaensis Manzan. & W.Till
Tillandsia botterii É.Morren ex Baker
Tillandsia bourgaei Baker
Tillandsia brachycaulos Schltdl.
Tillandsia brachyphylla Baker
Tillandsia brealitoensis L.Hrom.
Tillandsia brenneri Rauh
Tillandsia brevicapsula Gilmartin
Tillandsia brevilingua Mez
Tillandsia brevior L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia breviturneri Betancur & Néstor García
Tillandsia buchlohii Rauh
Tillandsia bulbosa Hook.
Tillandsia buseri Mez
Tillandsia butzii Mez
Tillandsia caballosensis Ehlers
Tillandsia cacticola L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia caerulea Kunth
Tillandsia cajamarcensis Rauh
Tillandsia calcicola L.B.Sm. & Proctor
Tillandsia califani Rauh
Tillandsia caliginosa W.Till
Tillandsia callichroma L.Hrom.
Tillandsia calochlamys Ehlers & L.Hrom.
Tillandsia calothyrsus Mez
Tillandsia caloura Harms
Tillandsia camargoensis L.Hrom.
Tillandsia candelifera Rohweder
Tillandsia candida Leme
Tillandsia canescens Sw.
Tillandsia capillaris Ruiz & Pav.
Tillandsia capistranoensis Ehlers & W.Weber
Tillandsia capitata Griseb.
Tillandsia caput-medusae É.Morren
Tillandsia cardenasii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia carlos-hankii Matuda
Tillandsia carlsoniae L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia carminea W.Till
Tillandsia carnosa L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia carrierei André
Tillandsia carrilloi Véliz & Feldhoff
Tillandsia castelensis Leme & W.Till
Tillandsia castellanii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia catimbauensis Leme, W.Till & J.A.Siqueira
Tillandsia caulescens Brongn. ex Baker
Tillandsia cauliflora Mez & Wercklé
Tillandsia cauligera Mez
Tillandsia cees-goudae Gouda
Tillandsia celata Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia cernua L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia cerosa W.Till & Barfuss
Tillandsia cerrateana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia chaetophylla Mez
Tillandsia chalcatzingensis Gonz.-Rocha, Cerros, López-Ferr. & Espejo
Tillandsia champaraensis L.Hrom. & H.Hrom.
Tillandsia chapalillaensis Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia chapeuensis Rauh
Tillandsia chartacea L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia chasmophyta Büneker, R.Pontes & K.Soares
Tillandsia chiapensis C.S.Gardner
Tillandsia chicoasena H.Hrom. & L.Hrom.
Tillandsia chiletensis Rauh
Tillandsia chingacensis Aguirre-Santoro, E.Hern.-A. & Betancur
Tillandsia chlorophylla L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia chontalensis Baker
Tillandsia churinensis Rauh
Tillandsia chusgonensis L.Hrom.
Tillandsia circinnatioides Matuda
Tillandsia clavigera Mez
Tillandsia coalcomanensis Ehlers
Tillandsia cochabambae E.Gross & Rauh
Tillandsia coinaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia colganii Ehlers
Tillandsia colorata L.Hrom.
Tillandsia comarapaensis H.Luther
Tillandsia comitanensis Ehlers
Tillandsia compacta Griseb.
Tillandsia complanata Benth.
Tillandsia compressa Bertero ex Schult. & Schult.f.
Tillandsia comulcoensis Ehlers
Tillandsia concolor L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia confertiflora André
Tillandsia confinis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia copalaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia copanensis Rauh & Rutschm.
Tillandsia copynii Gouda
Tillandsia × cornissaensis Gouda
Tillandsia × correalei H.Luther
Tillandsia cossonii Baker
Tillandsia cotagaitensis L.Hrom.
Tillandsia crenulipetala Mez
Tillandsia cretacea L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia crista-galli Ehlers
Tillandsia crocata (É.Morren) N.E.Br.
Tillandsia cryptopoda L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia cuatrecasasii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia cucaensis Wittm.
Tillandsia × cuchnichim R.Guess & V.Guess
Tillandsia cucullata L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia curvifolia (Ehlers & Rauh) Ehlers
Tillandsia dasyliriifolia Baker
Tillandsia deflexa L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia delicata Ehlers
Tillandsia demissa L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia denudata André
Tillandsia deppeana Steud.
Tillandsia dexteri H.Luther
Tillandsia diaguitensis A.Cast.
Tillandsia dichromantha Hern.-Cárdenas, López-Ferr. & Espejo
Tillandsia dichrophylla L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia didisticha (É.Morren) Baker
Tillandsia didistichoides Mez
Tillandsia diguetii Mez & Rol.-Goss.
Tillandsia disticha Kunth
Tillandsia divaricata Benth.
Tillandsia × donatoi Leme
Tillandsia dorisdaltoniae Ibisch, R.Vásquez, I.G.Vargas & W.Till
Tillandsia dorotheae Rauh
Tillandsia dorotheehaseae Hase
Tillandsia dugesii Baker
Tillandsia duidae L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia dura Baker
Tillandsia durangensis Rauh & Ehlers
Tillandsia duratii Vis.
Tillandsia ecarinata L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia edithae Rauh
Tillandsia eistetteri Ehlers
Tillandsia eizii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia elizabethae Rauh
Tillandsia elongata Kunth
Tillandsia eltoniana E.Pereira
Tillandsia elusiva Pinzón, I.Ramírez & Carnevali
Tillandsia elvirae-grossiae Rauh
Tillandsia emergens Mez & Sodiro
Tillandsia engleriana Wittm.
Tillandsia erecta Gillies ex Baker
Tillandsia erici Ehlers
Tillandsia ermitae L.Hrom.
Tillandsia ertonii E.H.Souza & Leme
Tillandsia erubescens Schltdl.
Tillandsia escahuascensis Espejo, López-Ferr., Ceja & A.Mend.
Tillandsia espinosae L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia esseriana Rauh & L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia excavata L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia excelsa Griseb.
Tillandsia exserta Fernald
Tillandsia extensa Mez
Tillandsia fasciculata Sw.
Tillandsia fascifolia Flores-Cruz & Diego-Esc.
Tillandsia fassettii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia fendleri Griseb.
Tillandsia ferreyrae L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia ferrisiana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia festucoides Brongn. ex Mez
Tillandsia filifolia Schltdl. & Cham.
Tillandsia flabellata Baker
Tillandsia flagellata L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia flavobracteata Matuda
Tillandsia flavoviolacea Gouda
Tillandsia flexuosa Sw.
Tillandsia floresensis Ehlers
Tillandsia floribunda Kunth
Tillandsia × floridana (L.B.Sm.) H.Luther
Tillandsia foliosa M.Martens & Galeotti
Tillandsia fragrans André
Tillandsia francisci W.Till & J.R.Grant
Tillandsia frank-hasei J.R.Grant
Tillandsia fresnilloensis W.Weber & Ehlers
Tillandsia friesii Mez
Tillandsia fuchsii W.Till
Tillandsia funebris A.Cast.
Tillandsia fusiformis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia gardneri Lindl.
Tillandsia geissei Phil.
Tillandsia geminiflora Brongn.
Tillandsia genseri Rauh
Tillandsia gerd-muelleri W.Weber
Tillandsia gerdae Ehlers
Tillandsia gilliesii Baker
Tillandsia glabrior (L.B.Sm.) López-Ferr., Espejo & I.Ramírez
Tillandsia glauca L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia globosa Wawra
Tillandsia gloriae F.Gruber, W.Till & Barfuss
Tillandsia glossophylla L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia gracillima L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia graebeneri Mez
Tillandsia grandispica Ehlers
Tillandsia grao-mogolensis Silveira
Tillandsia grazielae Sucre & R.Braga
Tillandsia grossispicata Espejo, López-Ferr. & W.Till
Tillandsia grovesiae Manzan. & W.Till
Tillandsia gruberi (Ehlers) J.R.Grant
Tillandsia guatemalensis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia guelzii Rauh
Tillandsia guenther-nolleri Ehlers
Tillandsia guerreroensis Rauh
Tillandsia gutteana W.Weber
Tillandsia gymnobotrya Baker
Tillandsia hammeri Rauh & Ehlers
Tillandsia hansonii Manzan. & Gouda
Tillandsia harrisii Ehlers
Tillandsia hasei Ehlers & L.Hrom.
Tillandsia hegeri Ehlers
Tillandsia heliconioides Kunth
Tillandsia helmutii L.Hrom.
Tillandsia hemkeri Rauh
Tillandsia heterandra André
Tillandsia heteromorpha Mez
Tillandsia heterophylla É.Morren
Tillandsia heubergeri Ehlers
Tillandsia hildae Rauh
Tillandsia hintoniana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia hiroi Manzan. & Gouda
Tillandsia hirta W.Till & L.Hrom.
Tillandsia hirtzii Rauh
Tillandsia hoeijeri H.Luther
Tillandsia hofackeri Ehlers
Tillandsia hondurensis Rauh
Tillandsia horstii Rauh
Tillandsia hotteana Urb.
Tillandsia huajuapanensis Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia huamelulaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia huarazensis Ehlers & W.Till
Tillandsia hubertiana Matuda
Tillandsia humilis C.Presl
Tillandsia iassuensis L.Hrom. & H.Hrom.
Tillandsia ignesiae Mez
Tillandsia ilseana W.Till, Halbritter & Zecher
Tillandsia imperialis É.Morren ex Roezl
Tillandsia imporaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia incarnata Kunth
Tillandsia indigofera Mez & Sodiro
Tillandsia inopinata Espejo, López-Ferr. & W.Till
Tillandsia intermedia Mez
Tillandsia interrupta Mez
Tillandsia intumescens L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia ionantha Planch.
Tillandsia ionochroma André ex Mez
Tillandsia itatiensis E.H.Souza & Leodeg.
Tillandsia itaubensis Strehl
Tillandsia ixioides Griseb.
Tillandsia izabalensis Pinzón, I.Ramírez & Carnevali
Tillandsia jacob-bakii Gouda
Tillandsia jaguactalensis I.Ramírez & Carnevali & F.Chi
Tillandsia jaliscopinicola L.Hrom. & P.Schneid.
Tillandsia jequiensis L.Hrom. & H.Hrom.
Tillandsia joel-mandimboensis Flores-Cruz, C.Granados & Vázq.-Hurt.
Tillandsia jonesii Strehl
Tillandsia jucunda A.Cast.
Tillandsia juerg-rutschmannii Rauh
Tillandsia juncea (Ruiz & Pav.) Poir.
Tillandsia kalmbacheri Matuda
Tillandsia kammii Rauh
Tillandsia karineae Manzan., Gouda & Raack
Tillandsia karwinskyana Schult. & Schult.f.
Tillandsia kauffmannii Ehlers ex Rauh & E.Gross
Tillandsia kautskyi E.Pereira
Tillandsia kegeliana Mez
Tillandsia kentii (H.Luther & K.F.Norton) Manzan. & W.Till
Tillandsia kessleri H.Luther
Tillandsia kickiae Raack, Manzan. & Gouda
Tillandsia kirchhoffiana Wittm.
Tillandsia kirschnekii Rauh
Tillandsia klausii Ehlers
Tillandsia koehresiana Ehlers
Tillandsia koideae Rauh & E.Gross
Tillandsia kolbii W.Till & Schatzl
Tillandsia krahnii Rauh
Tillandsia kretzii Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia krukoffiana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia kuntzeana Mez
Tillandsia kuzmae Ehlers
Tillandsia lagunaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia lajensis André
Tillandsia lampropoda L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia landbeckii Phil.
Tillandsia langlasseana Mez
Tillandsia latifolia Meyen
Tillandsia laui Matuda
Tillandsia lautneri Ehlers
Tillandsia lechneri W.Till & Barfuss
Tillandsia leiboldiana Schltdl.
Tillandsia leonamiana E.Pereira
Tillandsia lepidosepala L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia leucolepis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia leucopetala Büneker, R.Pontes & Witeck
Tillandsia limae L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia limarum E.Pereira
Tillandsia limbata Schltdl.
Tillandsia linearis Vell.
Tillandsia × lineatispica Mez
Tillandsia lithophila L.Hrom.
Tillandsia loliacea Mart. ex Schult. & Schult.f.
Tillandsia loma-blancae Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia longifolia Baker
Tillandsia longiscapa Leme & W.Till
Tillandsia lopezii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia lorentziana Griseb.
Tillandsia lotteae H.Hrom. ex Rauh
Tillandsia loxensis N.Jaram., Manzan. & A.M.Gut.
Tillandsia loxichaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia lucida É.Morren ex Baker
Tillandsia lutheri (Manzan. & W.Till) J.R.Grant
Tillandsia lutheriana (J.R.Grant) Kessous & A.F.Costa
Tillandsia × lydiae Ehlers
Tillandsia lymanii Rauh
Tillandsia macbrideana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia macdougallii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia machupicchuensis Gouda & J.Ochoa
Tillandsia macrochlamys Baker
Tillandsia macrodactylon Mez
Tillandsia maculata Ruiz & Pav.
Tillandsia macvaughii Espejo & López-Ferr.
Tillandsia magnispica Espejo & López-Ferr.
Tillandsia magnusiana Wittm.
Tillandsia makoyana Baker
Tillandsia makrinii L.Hrom.
Tillandsia mallemontii Glaz. ex Mez
Tillandsia malyi L.Hrom.
Tillandsia malzinei (É.Morren) Baker
Tillandsia mantiqueirae Paixão-Souza, N.G.Silva & R.J.V.Alves
Tillandsia manzanilloensis Gouda
Tillandsia marabascoensis Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia marcalaensis Rauh & E.Gross
Tillandsia × marceloi Takiz. & Koide
Tillandsia marconae W.Till & Vitek
Tillandsia maritima Matuda
Tillandsia markusii L.Hrom.
Tillandsia marnieri-lapostollei Rauh
Tillandsia mateoensis Ehlers
Tillandsia matudae L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia mauryana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia may-patii I.Ramírez & Carnevali
Tillandsia maya I.Ramírez & Carnevali
Tillandsia mazatlanensis Rauh
Tillandsia mecapacana Seringer, Barfuss & W.Till
Tillandsia mereliana Schinini
Tillandsia micans L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia milagrensis Leme
Tillandsia mima L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia minasgeraisensis Ehlers & W.Till
Tillandsia minutiflora Donadio
Tillandsia mirabilis L.Hrom.
Tillandsia mitlaensis W.Weber & Ehlers
Tillandsia mixtecorum Ehlers & Koide
Tillandsia mollepataensis H.Hrom. & L.Hrom.
Tillandsia mollis H.Hrom. & W.Till
Tillandsia montana Reitz
Tillandsia montserratina H.Hrom. & L.Hrom.
Tillandsia mooreana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia moronesensis Ehlers
Tillandsia moscosoi L.B.Sm. & Jiménez
Tillandsia muhriae W.Weber
Tillandsia multicaulis Steud.
Tillandsia myosura Griseb. ex Baker
Tillandsia myriantha Baker
Tillandsia nana Baker
Tillandsia nathanii E.H.Souza & Leme
Tillandsia nayelyana R.García Mart. & Beutelsp.
Tillandsia neglecta E.Pereira
Tillandsia nervata L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia nervisepala (Gilmartin) L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia nicolasensis Ehlers
Tillandsia × nidus Rauh & H.Lehm.
Tillandsia nizandaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia nolleriana Ehlers ex Rauh
Tillandsia novakii H.Luther
Tillandsia nuptialis Braga & Sucre
Tillandsia nuyooensis Ehlers
Tillandsia oaxacana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia oblivata L.Hrom.
Tillandsia occulta H.Luther
Tillandsia oerstediana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia oliveirae E.H.Souza & Leme
Tillandsia orbicularis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia organensis Ehlers
Tillandsia orogenes Standl. & L.O.Williams
Tillandsia oropezana L.Hrom.
Tillandsia oroyensis Mez
Tillandsia ortgiesiana É.Morren ex Mez
Tillandsia ovatispicata Gouda
Tillandsia oxapampae Rauh & von Bismarck
Tillandsia pachyaxon L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia pacifica Ehlers
Tillandsia paleacea C.Presl
Tillandsia pallescens Betancur & Néstor García
Tillandsia pamelae Rauh
Tillandsia pampasensis Rauh
Tillandsia paniculata (L.) L.
Tillandsia paraensis Mez
Tillandsia paraibensis R.A.Pontes
Tillandsia paraisoensis Ehlers
Tillandsia pardoi Gouda
Tillandsia parryi Baker
Tillandsia parvispica Baker
Tillandsia pastensis André
Tillandsia patula Mez
Tillandsia paucifolia Baker
Tillandsia pedicellata (Mez) A.Cast.
Tillandsia peiranoi A.Cast.
Tillandsia penascoensis Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia pentasticha Rauh & Wülfingh.
Tillandsia pereziana André
Tillandsia peruviana J.R.Grant
Tillandsia pfeufferi Rauh
Tillandsia pfisteri Rauh
Tillandsia piauiensis Ehlers & J.Claus
Tillandsia piepenbringii (Rauh) J.R.Grant
Tillandsia pinicola I.Ramírez & Carnevali
Tillandsia pinnatodigitata Mez
Tillandsia piurensis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia plagiotropica Rohweder
Tillandsia platyphylla Mez
Tillandsia plumosa Baker
Tillandsia pohliana Mez
Tillandsia polita L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia polyantha Mez & Sodiro
Tillandsia polystachia (L.) L.
Tillandsia polzii Ehlers
Tillandsia pomacochae Rauh
Tillandsia ponderosa L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia porongoensis L.Hrom. & P.Schneid.
Tillandsia portillae E.Gross & Wülfingh.
Tillandsia porvenirensis Ehlers
Tillandsia praschekii Ehlers & Willinger
Tillandsia pringlei S.Watson
Tillandsia prodigiosa (Lem.) Baker
Tillandsia prolata (H.Luther) Gouda & Barfuss
Tillandsia propagulifera Rauh
Tillandsia pruinosa Sw.
Tillandsia pseudobaileyi C.S.Gardner
Tillandsia pseudocardenasii W.Weber
Tillandsia pseudofloribunda Gouda
Tillandsia pseudomacbrideana Rauh
Tillandsia pseudomicans Rauh
Tillandsia pseudomontana W.Weber & Ehlers
Tillandsia pseudooaxacana Ehlers
Tillandsia pseudosetacea Ehlers & Rauh
Tillandsia pucaraensis Ehlers
Tillandsia pueblensis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia punctulata Schltdl. & Cham.
Tillandsia purpurascens Rauh
Tillandsia purpurea Ruiz & Pav.
Tillandsia pyramidata André
Tillandsia quaquaflorifera Matuda
Tillandsia queretaroensis Ehlers
Tillandsia queroensis Gilmartin
Tillandsia raackii H.Luther
Tillandsia racinae L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia ramellae W.Till & S.Till
Tillandsia rangelensis Hechav.
Tillandsia rariflora André
Tillandsia rauhii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia rauschii Rauh & H.Lehm.
Tillandsia reclinata E.Pereira & Martinelli
Tillandsia rectangula Baker
Tillandsia × rectifolia C.A.Wiley ex Rauh
Tillandsia recurvata (L.) L.
Tillandsia recurvifolia Hook.
Tillandsia recurvispica L.Hrom. & P.Schneid.
Tillandsia reducta L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia reichenbachii Baker
Tillandsia religiosa Hern.-Cárdenas, Gonz.-Rocha, Espejo, López-Ferr., Cerros & E
Tillandsia remota Wittm.
Tillandsia renateae Gouda, Manzan. & Raack
Tillandsia renateehlersiae Leme & Gouda
Tillandsia restrepoana André
Tillandsia retorta Griseb. ex Baker
Tillandsia rettigiana Mez
Tillandsia reuteri Rauh
Tillandsia reversa L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia rhodocephala Ehlers & Koide
Tillandsia rhodosticta L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia rhomboidea André
Tillandsia riohondoensis Ehlers
Tillandsia riverae Manzan. & W.Till
Tillandsia rodrigueziana Mez
Tillandsia roezlii Linden ex Ortgies
Tillandsia rohdenardinii Strehl
Tillandsia roland-gosselinii Mez
Tillandsia romeroi L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia rosacea L.Hrom. & W.Till
Tillandsia rosarioae L.Hrom.
Tillandsia roseiflora Ehlers & W.Weber
Tillandsia roseoscapa Matuda
Tillandsia roseospicata Matuda
Tillandsia rothii Rauh
Tillandsia rotundata (L.B.Sm.) C.S.Gardner
Tillandsia rubella Baker
Tillandsia rubia Ehlers & L.Colgan
Tillandsia rubrispica Ehlers & Koide
Tillandsia rubroviolacea Rauh
Tillandsia rudolfii E.Gross
Tillandsia rusbyi Baker
Tillandsia sagasteguii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia salmonea Ehlers
Tillandsia samaipatensis W.Till
Tillandsia sangii Ehlers
Tillandsia santiagoensis H.Hrom. & L.Hrom.
Tillandsia santieusebii Morillo & Oliva-Esteve
Tillandsia santosiae Ehlers
Tillandsia sceptriformis Mez & Sodiro
Tillandsia schatzlii Rauh
Tillandsia schiedeana Steud.
Tillandsia schimperiana Wittm.
Tillandsia schreiteri Lillo & A.Cast.
Tillandsia schultzei Harms
Tillandsia schusteri Rauh
Tillandsia secunda Kunth
Tillandsia seideliana E.Pereira
Tillandsia seleriana Mez
Tillandsia selleana Harms
Tillandsia sessemocinoi López-Ferr., Espejo & P.Blanco
Tillandsia setacea Sw.
Tillandsia setiformis Ehlers
Tillandsia sierrahalensis Espejo & López-Ferr.
Tillandsia sierrajuarezensis Matuda
Tillandsia sigmoidea L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia simulata Small
Tillandsia socialis L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia sodiroi Mez
Tillandsia somnians L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia spathacea Mez & Sodiro
Tillandsia sphaerocephala Baker
Tillandsia spiraliflora Rauh
Tillandsia spiralipetala Gouda
Tillandsia sprengeliana Klotzsch ex Mez
Tillandsia standleyi L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia steiropoda L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia stellifera L.Hrom.
Tillandsia stenoura Harms
Tillandsia stipitata L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia stoltenii Ehlers & E.Gross
Tillandsia straminea Kunth
Tillandsia streptocarpa Baker
Tillandsia streptophylla Scheidw.
Tillandsia stricta Sol. ex Ker Gawl.
Tillandsia strobeliae (Rauh) J.R.Grant
Tillandsia subconcolor L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia subinflata L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia subteres H.Luther
Tillandsia subulifera Mez
Tillandsia sucrei E.Pereira
Tillandsia sueae Ehlers
Tillandsia suescana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia suesilliae W.Till, López-Ferr. & Espejo
Tillandsia superba Mez & Sodiro
Tillandsia superinsignis Matuda
Tillandsia supermexicana Matuda
Tillandsia tafiensis (L.B.Sm.) Gouda
Tillandsia takizawae Ehlers & H.Luther
Tillandsia taxcoensis Ehlers
Tillandsia tecolometl Granados, Flores-Cruz & Salazar
Tillandsia tecpanensis Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia tectorum É.Morren
Tillandsia tehuacana I.Ramírez & Carnevali
Tillandsia teloloapanensis Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia tenebra L.Hrom. & W.Till
Tillandsia tenuifolia L.
Tillandsia tequendamae André
Tillandsia teres L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia thiekenii Ehlers
Tillandsia thyrsigera É.Morren ex Baker
Tillandsia tillandsioides (L.B.Sm.) J.R.Grant
Tillandsia tillii Ehlers
Tillandsia tomekii L.Hrom.
Tillandsia tonalaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia toropiensis Rauh
Tillandsia tortilis Baker
Tillandsia tovarensis Mez
Tillandsia tragophoba M.O.Dillon
Tillandsia trauneri L.Hrom.
Tillandsia trelawniensis Proctor
Tillandsia tricholepis Baker
Tillandsia tricolor Schltdl. & Cham.
Tillandsia trigalensis Ehlers
Tillandsia truxillana L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia turneri Baker
Tillandsia turquinensis K.Willinger & Michálek
Tillandsia ulrici Ehlers
Tillandsia ultima L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia uruguayensis Rossado
Tillandsia usneoides (L.) L.
Tillandsia utriculata L.
Tillandsia × vandenbergii Ehlers & Hase
Tillandsia variabilis Schltdl.
Tillandsia velutina Ehlers
Tillandsia ventanaensis Ehlers & Koide
Tillandsia verapazana Ehlers
Tillandsia vernicosa Baker
Tillandsia vicentina Standl.
Tillandsia violacea Baker
Tillandsia violaceiflora L.Hrom.
Tillandsia violascens Mez
Tillandsia virescens Ruiz & Pav.
Tillandsia vriesioides Matuda
Tillandsia walter-richteri W.Weber
Tillandsia walter-tillii J.R.Grant
Tillandsia walteri Mez
Tillandsia weberi L.Hrom. & P.Schneid.
Tillandsia welzii Ehlers
Tillandsia werdermannii Harms
Tillandsia werner-rauhiana Koide & Takiz.
Tillandsia werneriana J.R.Grant
Tillandsia × wilinskii Gouda
Tillandsia winkleri Strehl
Tillandsia witeckii Büneker, R.Pontes & K.Soares
Tillandsia wuelfinghoffii Ehlers
Tillandsia wurdackii L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia xerographica Rohweder
Tillandsia xiphioides Ker Gawl.
Tillandsia yanacensis L.Hrom. & H.Hrom.
Tillandsia yerba-santae Ehlers
Tillandsia yuncharaensis W.Till
Tillandsia yunckeri L.B.Sm.
Tillandsia yutaninoensis Ehlers & Lautner
Tillandsia zacapanensis Véliz & Feldhoff
Tillandsia zacualpanensis Ehlers & Wülfingh.
Tillandsia zaragozaensis Ehlers
Tillandsia zaratensis W.Weber
Tillandsia zarumensis Gilmartin
Tillandsia zecheri W.Till
Tillandsia zizkae W.Till & Barfuss
Tillandsia zoquensis Ehlers

Are air plants toxic to cats?

Air plants are a fascinating addition to my home, but I always keep them out of reach from my curious cat. While air plants themselves aren’t toxic, my experience tells me cats can be pretty mischievous. Better to avoid the risk! I’ve seen my cat take a playful nibble on just about everything, and those spiky air plant leaves could be a choking hazard or, at the very least, irritate her digestive system. It’s a relief knowing a bite won’t poison her, but a little caution definitely goes a long way.

How long to soak air plants?

Soaking my air plants feels like a little self-care ritual for both me and them! I find that a good 30-minute soak once a week keeps them happy and hydrated. In the past, I’ve tried shorter soaks, but those didn’t seem to do the trick – the leaves still felt a bit dry and stiff afterward. This longer soak really plumps them up, and I like to think of it as their weekly spa day. Of course, I always make sure they dry completely afterward to avoid any rot.

Do air plants need light?

Absolutely! My air plants might be low-maintenance, but skipping out on light is a surefire way to end up with unhappy plants. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way – once I stuck them in a dim corner, and they quickly became pale and droopy. Now, I make sure they get plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. They hang near a window that gets beautiful morning light, filtered by a sheer curtain. They’ve been thriving there, with a healthy green color and even the occasional bloom!

How long do air plants live?

It’s a bit bittersweet to think about, but air plants don’t live forever. I’ve had a few for a couple of years, and while their lifespan varies, I expect they might be around for another couple before they reach the end of their natural cycle. The exciting thing is that they usually produce “pups,” little baby air plants that sprout from the base. It’s always heartwarming to discover these little surprises! In a way, even though the original plant might not last forever, there’s always a little piece of it that continues on.

Where can i buy air plants?

Finding air plants has been a bit of an adventure for me! I’ve bought a few at local nurseries and garden centers – sometimes they have a wider selection, but other times there’s only a small display tucked away in a corner. Lately, I’ve had great luck with online shops specializing in air plants. It’s so fun to browse the unique varieties from the comfort of my couch. Plus, some even offer cool DIY air plant holders and kits. My last order even came with a little bag of fertilizer, which was a thoughtful touch!

Are orchids air plants?

I used to think orchids were a type of air plant since they sometimes seem to magically hang in mid-air with wild, exposed roots. While both orchids and air plants are fascinating because of their unique ways of growing, they’re not the same. Orchids might cling to trees and branches, but they still draw some nutrients from the material they’re attached to. Air plants, on the other hand, get everything they need from the air and a little help from me with regular watering and fertilizing.

Do air plants need to be attached to something?

Not necessarily! Air plants are surprisingly versatile, which is part of what makes them so fun. In the past, I’ve glued mine to pieces of driftwood or nestled them into seashells for a beachy vibe. However, lately, I’ve simply been placing them in decorative bowls or hanging them in little glass terrariums. They don’t seem to mind being “unattached,” and honestly, it makes them easier to care for since I can easily submerge them in water for their weekly soaks.

How to hang air plants?

Hanging air plants instantly adds a touch of whimsy to any space! I have a few different methods that I like depending on the plant and the vibe I’m going for. Sometimes, I simply cradle a smaller air plant in natural macrame hangers for a bohemian look. For a more modern feel, I love using sleek copper wire – I gently wrap it around the base of the air plant, leaving a loop at the top for hanging. Another fun option is to suspend air plants inside clear glass globes, creating mini floating worlds—these are perfect for adding a touch of greenery to a window.

How to revive an air plant?

Sometimes, even with the best care, my air plants get a little crispy and look like they could use a boost. My favorite way to revive them is to give them a luxurious overnight soak. I fill a large bowl with room temperature water and completely submerge the air plant. It’s amazing how much they plump up again! Afterward, I make sure to gently shake off any excess water and let them air dry completely before putting them back in their spot. It’s like a little spa day, and they always emerge looking refreshed and revitalized.

Why is my air plant turning brown?

Oh no, brown spots on an air plant aren’t the best! There are a couple of things it could be based on my experience. It might be getting a little too much sun. Remember, those spiky leaves can sunburn easily! If the brown spots are mainly on the tips, it could also be a sign it needs a bit more water. I usually try a soak for a longer time than usual, maybe closer to an hour, and see if that plumps up those thirsty leaves. If the brown spots are squishy or mushy though, that might mean it’s overwatered. In that case, I hold off on watering for a bit and make sure it dries out completely before giving it another soak.

Are air plants succulents?

It’s funny, I used to assume air plants must be a type of succulent because they seem so low-maintenance and hardy. However, while both air plants and succulents have adapted to survive in drier conditions, they’re actually quite different. Succulents store water in their fleshy leaves, whereas air plants are special because they absorb moisture and nutrients through tiny scales on their leaves. I find it fascinating how plants develop such unique ways to thrive!

How fast do air plants grow?

Let’s just say air plants aren’t known for their speedy growth! They definitely take a more leisurely approach to life. I’ve found that even with the best care, it takes months to see noticeable changes and a few years for them to really reach their full size. However, I’ve come to appreciate their slow and steady pace. It’s a nice reminder to enjoy the process and not rush things. Plus, their blooms are always a delightful surprise–a worthy reward for my patience!

How to take care of air plant tillandsia?

Caring for my Tillandsia air plants has become a relaxing part of my routine. First and foremost, I give them a good soak about once a week, ensuring they get fully submerged in room-temperature water. Finding a bright spot with indirect light is crucial – they enjoy the sunshine but get a bit cranky with direct rays. Between soaks, a light misting helps keep them happy, especially during drier weather. The best part? They’re pretty forgiving if I forget to water them on time – a testament to their resilient nature!

Are air plants toxic to dogs?

Thankfully, air plants are considered non-toxic to dogs. This was a big relief to me as my dog is pretty curious and loves investigating new things around the house. However, I still try to keep my air plants out of his reach. Those pointy leaves could potentially irritate his mouth or become a choking hazard if he decided to take a playful nibble. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Do air plants bloom?

Yes, air plants absolutely bloom – and their blooms are often spectacular! They come in a dazzling array of colors, from vibrant pinks and purples to delicate whites and yellows. Sometimes the blooms emerge from a colorful spike, while others have tiny, intricate flowers nestled amongst their leaves. Sadly, air plants only bloom once in their lifecycle, but I find the blooms make the wait even more special. It’s like a grand celebration of the air plant’s life!

How to fertilize air plants?

Fertilizing my air plants always feels like giving them a little energy boost! I prefer a liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for bromeliads or air plants since they’re designed for the type of nutrients these plants crave. During the warmer growing season, I like to add a very diluted amount of fertilizer to their soaking water about once a month. It seems to make a difference — I’ve noticed healthier growth and even more vibrant blooms! Just remember, less is more when it comes to fertilizer for air plants – too much can actually burn their delicate leaves.

Do air plants have roots?

Yes, air plants do have roots, though they work a bit differently than the roots of other plants. Instead of getting nutrients from the soil, air plant roots primarily serve as anchors to cling onto trees, rocks, or other surfaces. Sometimes, I can see a few thin roots peeking out from the base of my air plants. While they’re not vital for the plants’ survival indoors, I still find it fascinating to see how they’ve adapted to living without soil.

Are air potato plants edible?

It’s important to be cautious with air potatoes! There are a few key things to know:

Some varieties are edible: Certain types of air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) are edible and have been used as a food source in various parts of the world.
Toxic lookalikes:There are other Dioscorea species that are poisonous, and it can be tricky to tell them apart.
Proper preparation is key: Even edible air potatoes typically require careful preparation (e.g., roasting, boiling, leaching) to remove bitter compounds and potential toxins.

Bottom line: Unless you’re absolutely certain of the variety and know how to prepare it safely, it’s best to avoid eating air potatoes.

Do air plants like humidity?

Yes, absolutely! Air plants thrive in humid environments. It reminds them of their native tropical and subtropical habitats. My air plants seem to perk up the most after a good misting, especially on dry, hot days. I sometimes even place them in the bathroom after a shower to give them a boost of humidity. They seem to love it! While they can tolerate some dryness, they’ll really show their appreciation for a more humid environment with healthier leaves and even surprise blooms.

Are air plants bromeliads?

Yes, air plants are a type of bromeliad! Bromeliads are a whole family of amazing plants with a lot of diversity, and air plants (those from the genus Tillandsia) are a fascinating member of that family. Just like their bromeliad relatives, air plants have special adaptations for absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air. It’s pretty cool to think of them as the free-spirited adventurers of the bromeliad world!