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Airplants (Tillandsia)
Airplants are some of the most common examples of epiphytes - plants that can grow on the surfaces of others without the need for soil. This capability makes them especially attractive for use in hanging pots both inside and outside the home.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Airplants
Feedback
Attributes of Airplants
Plant Height
20 cm
Spread
30 cm
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Airplants
Distribution of Airplants
Feedback
Distribution Map of Airplants
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Airplants
Feedback
The airplants genus encompasses air plants which thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and require specific watering practices, like soaking or misting. Warm, humid environments are preferred, but they’re adaptable to cooler conditions. They live on trees, rocks, and other substrates without soil. Common challenges include rot due to overwatering, pests like mealybugs, and cold damage. Seasonally, they need increased hydration in summer and reduced watering in winter. Extra attention to humidity levels and frequent misting can help the plant during the dry seasons.
How to Water Airplants?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Airplants?
How to Propagate Airplants?
How to Plant Airplants?
Exploring the Airplants Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Spreading airplant
The spreading airplant (Tillandsia utriculata) is native to Florida and Georgia within the United States. The spreading airplant is also often called the giant airplant. This species is the host of many native invertebrate animals because it can hold a great deal of water in its leaves. It is susceptible to the invasive weevil Metamasius callizona, which has a profound effect on its native ecosystem.
Airplant
Airplant (Tillandsia stricta) is a miniature tropical plant that makes a great addition to a terrarium or an enclosed indoor garden. The lush green leaves fan out from the center, growing thick and bushy as it matures. It produces clusters of eye-catching, pinkish-purple flowers that rise up above the plant on a green spike. Prefers bright indirect sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Water-loving: soak twice a week or mist three to four times weekly.
Spanish moss
Spanish moss (*Tillandsia usneoides*) is native to subtropical and tropical Mexico, Central America, South America, and the southern United States. Spanish moss is also known as grandpa's beard in Polynesia. It grows on the surface of southern live oak and bald-cypress trees. It also finds commercial use in insulation, mulch, packing material, and mattress stuffing.
Sky plant
Sky plant (Tillandsia ionantha) is a plant species native to Central America, Mexico, Costa Rica, and South America. The sky plant has become naturalized in Florida. This species is a popularly sought-after air plant for home cultivation. It is popular because it is considered hearty and requires minimal care. Sky plant grows best in warm, humid rooms with occasional misting with water.
Ball moss
Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) is a flowering plant that grows on the surfaces of other plant species, most commonly the southern live oak. Ball moss is not a true moss, despite its name. This species is native to the southern United States, Argentina, and Chile. It was consumed by the indigenous Pima people of Mexico and can also be fed to animals.
Octopus plant
Octopus plant, or Tillandsia caput-medusae, gets its Latin name from the Greek Medusa, an evil creature whose hair was made of snakes. This variety of air plant can tolerate more sun and less humidity than other varieties.
Giant airplant
Giant airplant, or Tillandsia fasciculata, is a large species of bromeliad. In the wild, it grows on tree trunks and produces a stunning flower-like inflorescence that can last for a year. This air plant is endangered in the United States.
Rush-like air plant
Rush-like air plant's growth habit is the same as most other air plants, but its appearance sets it apart. It is longer and narrower than some other similar species, giving it a unique look that stands out when grouped with other plants in the genus.
All Species of Airplants
Spreading airplant
Spreading airplant
The spreading airplant (Tillandsia utriculata) is native to Florida and Georgia within the United States. The spreading airplant is also often called the giant airplant. This species is the host of many native invertebrate animals because it can hold a great deal of water in its leaves. It is susceptible to the invasive weevil Metamasius callizona, which has a profound effect on its native ecosystem.
Airplant
Airplant
Airplant (Tillandsia stricta) is a miniature tropical plant that makes a great addition to a terrarium or an enclosed indoor garden. The lush green leaves fan out from the center, growing thick and bushy as it matures. It produces clusters of eye-catching, pinkish-purple flowers that rise up above the plant on a green spike. Prefers bright indirect sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Water-loving: soak twice a week or mist three to four times weekly.
Spanish moss
Spanish moss
Spanish moss (*Tillandsia usneoides*) is native to subtropical and tropical Mexico, Central America, South America, and the southern United States. Spanish moss is also known as grandpa's beard in Polynesia. It grows on the surface of southern live oak and bald-cypress trees. It also finds commercial use in insulation, mulch, packing material, and mattress stuffing.
Sky plant
Sky plant
Sky plant (Tillandsia ionantha) is a plant species native to Central America, Mexico, Costa Rica, and South America. The sky plant has become naturalized in Florida. This species is a popularly sought-after air plant for home cultivation. It is popular because it is considered hearty and requires minimal care. Sky plant grows best in warm, humid rooms with occasional misting with water.
Ball moss
Ball moss
Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) is a flowering plant that grows on the surfaces of other plant species, most commonly the southern live oak. Ball moss is not a true moss, despite its name. This species is native to the southern United States, Argentina, and Chile. It was consumed by the indigenous Pima people of Mexico and can also be fed to animals.
Octopus plant
Octopus plant
Octopus plant, or Tillandsia caput-medusae, gets its Latin name from the Greek Medusa, an evil creature whose hair was made of snakes. This variety of air plant can tolerate more sun and less humidity than other varieties.
Giant airplant
Giant airplant
Giant airplant, or Tillandsia fasciculata, is a large species of bromeliad. In the wild, it grows on tree trunks and produces a stunning flower-like inflorescence that can last for a year. This air plant is endangered in the United States.
Rush-like air plant
Rush-like air plant
Rush-like air plant's growth habit is the same as most other air plants, but its appearance sets it apart. It is longer and narrower than some other similar species, giving it a unique look that stands out when grouped with other plants in the genus.
Air-flowered air plant
Air-flowered air plant
Tillandsia aeranthos is a species in the genus Tillandsia. This species is native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Airplant
Airplant
Plants form clumps 20 to 40 cm in diameter. There are 15-30 gray leaves, which measure 15-40 × 0.2-0.5 cm. Inflorescences are 8 to 15 cm in length, 2 to 4 mm in diameter, and have 5-20 flowers.
Southern needleleaf
Southern needleleaf
Tillandsia setacea, the southern needleleaf, is a species in the genus Tillandsia. It has a scattered, disjunct distribution in the southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia), northwestern and southern Mexico (Jalisco, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Campeche), Guatemala, the West Indies (Cayman Islands, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico) and the State of Pará in northeastern Brazil.
Air plant
Air plant
Graced with strong, silvery leaves, air plant (Tillandsia xerographica) is one of a number of species colloquially known as "air plants." This name references their preference to grow, suspended, in the highest branches of tropical trees. Quite remarkably, the air plant does not necessarily need soil, instead absorbing water through its leaves.
Tillandsia argentina
Tillandsia argentina
Tillandsia argentina is a unique epiphyte that thrives in humid climates. Its thin, silvery leaves absorb nutrients and moisture from the air, making it easy to care for. In the wild, it grows on tree branches and rocks, adding a touch of natural beauty to any garden or terrarium. Its pink and purple flowers bloom in the summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant is a popular choice for air plant enthusiasts and adds a touch of exotic elegance to any indoor space.
Tillandsia butzii
Tillandsia butzii
Tillandsia butzii is a unique epiphyte native to Mexico and Central America. Its gray-green leaves are covered in fine white hairs, giving it a fluffy appearance. This plant doesn't require soil to grow and can absorb water and nutrients through its leaves. It produces a bright pink inflorescence in the summer months, making it a striking addition to any collection of air plants.
Tillandsia red abdita
Tillandsia red abdita
Tillandsia red abdita (Tillandsia abdita) is one of the few Tillandsia varieties that enjoys both direct and indirect sunlight. Its blushing red tint, obtained only after it's matured, makes it one of the most popular air plants among houseplant enthusiasts. It is marketed for its stunning look in terrariums, or mounted on driftwood, cork, or bark.
Bulbous airplant
Bulbous airplant
Bulbous airplant(Tillandsia bulbosa) is a species in the genus Tillandsia. It is widespread across Central America, the West Indies, southern Mexico (Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatán Peninsula), and northern and eastern South America (Venezuela, Colombia, the Guianas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Alagoas, Amapá, Pernambuco).
Tillandsia punctulata
Tillandsia punctulata
Tillandsia punctulata is a fascinating epiphyte, commonly found in the tropical regions of South America. Unlike other Tillandsia species, tillandsia punctulata typically grows on rocks instead of trees and can survive in harsh, arid environments by absorbing moisture from the air through its silvery leaves. Its delicate, tubular flowers bloom in shades of pink and purple, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Tillandsia 'Curly Slim'
Tillandsia 'Curly Slim'
Tillandsia 'Curly Slim' has a unique appearance that makes it a popular indoor and patio plant. The growth habit of the attractive foliage is also why it has the occasional common name ‘curly slim.’ The cultivar may also produce small plantlets on the flower spike, unlike most other plants in the genus.
Tillandsia hybrid
Tillandsia hybrid
The tillandsia hybrid features a striking rosette of slender leaves, often with vibrant, silvery hues, indicative of its air plant lineage. These leaves absorb moisture from the air, a testament to the tillandsia hybrid's adaptation to life high above the soil in diverse environments. Delicate yet resilient, its exotic bloom captivates with vivid colors, declaring its ornamental allure while perched on trees or rocks.
Air Plant
Air Plant
Tillandsia tricolor is a species in the genus Tillandsia. This species is native to Central America (Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras) and Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas).
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Airplants
Tillandsia
Airplants are some of the most common examples of epiphytes - plants that can grow on the surfaces of others without the need for soil. This capability makes them especially attractive for use in hanging pots both inside and outside the home.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Airplants
Feedback
Attributes of Airplants
Plant Height
20 cm
Spread
30 cm
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Airplants
Distribution of Airplants
Feedback
Distribution Map of Airplants
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Airplants
Feedback
The airplants genus encompasses air plants which thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and require specific watering practices, like soaking or misting. Warm, humid environments are preferred, but they’re adaptable to cooler conditions. They live on trees, rocks, and other substrates without soil. Common challenges include rot due to overwatering, pests like mealybugs, and cold damage. Seasonally, they need increased hydration in summer and reduced watering in winter. Extra attention to humidity levels and frequent misting can help the plant during the dry seasons.
How to Water Airplants?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Airplants?
How to Propagate Airplants?
How to Plant Airplants?
Exploring the Airplants Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Spreading airplant
The spreading airplant (Tillandsia utriculata) is native to Florida and Georgia within the United States. The spreading airplant is also often called the giant airplant. This species is the host of many native invertebrate animals because it can hold a great deal of water in its leaves. It is susceptible to the invasive weevil Metamasius callizona, which has a profound effect on its native ecosystem.
Airplant
Airplant (Tillandsia stricta) is a miniature tropical plant that makes a great addition to a terrarium or an enclosed indoor garden. The lush green leaves fan out from the center, growing thick and bushy as it matures. It produces clusters of eye-catching, pinkish-purple flowers that rise up above the plant on a green spike. Prefers bright indirect sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Water-loving: soak twice a week or mist three to four times weekly.
Spanish moss
Spanish moss (*Tillandsia usneoides*) is native to subtropical and tropical Mexico, Central America, South America, and the southern United States. Spanish moss is also known as grandpa's beard in Polynesia. It grows on the surface of southern live oak and bald-cypress trees. It also finds commercial use in insulation, mulch, packing material, and mattress stuffing.
Sky plant
Sky plant (Tillandsia ionantha) is a plant species native to Central America, Mexico, Costa Rica, and South America. The sky plant has become naturalized in Florida. This species is a popularly sought-after air plant for home cultivation. It is popular because it is considered hearty and requires minimal care. Sky plant grows best in warm, humid rooms with occasional misting with water.
Show More Species
All Species of Airplants
Spreading airplant
Airplant
Spanish moss
Sky plant
Ball moss
Octopus plant
Giant airplant
Rush-like air plant
Air-flowered air plant
Airplant
Southern needleleaf
Air plant
Tillandsia argentina
Tillandsia butzii
Tillandsia red abdita
Bulbous airplant
Tillandsia punctulata
Tillandsia 'Curly Slim'
Tillandsia hybrid
Air Plant
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
