Welcome to The Bio Dude!
*The plant pictured is not necessarily the plant you will receive, but will be same size and shape*
Common Name: Tillandsia, Air Plant
Scientific Name: Tillandsia sp.
-Care Recommendations By The Dude-
Best for These Animals: Nearly all amphibians and reptiles from tropical and temperate climates, especially arboreal (tree-dwelling) species.
Bio Dude Substrates: TerraFlora, TerraFauna, some TerraFirma & TerraAranea (substrate type should not matter as much as with other plants, as tillandsia are typically mounted).
Soil Depth: *Should not be planted in substrate, but grown epiphytically/mounted.*
Lighting: Most Light Levels Suitable-- Higher light may cause the leaves to blush red in some species. Low light may inhibit flowering.
Humidity & Misting: 40%-100% *Higher humidity preferred, but can tolerate low humidity / *Must be misted AT LEAST once a week to provide proper hydration. Mist using reverse osmosis, distilled, or rain water. Some tap waters contain fluoride and chloride, which can be detrimental to tillandsia health in the long term. Mist the ENTIRE plant, including the center.* *Air Circulation is crucial to prevent rot.*
Mature Plant Size & Root System: Tillandsia are a type of bromeliad and are completely epiphytic, meaning they grow mostly in the nooks and crannies of trees, and gather nearly all of their moisture and nutrients from the environment rather than the substrate. The slight fuzz or bumps on the leaves are called trichomes, and are the specialized plant organ that allows the tillandsia to function this way! Tillandsia, once mature, will produce an inflorescence bearing multiple small flowers, but after flowering the tillandsia may slowly die. During this process the tillandsia may develop "pups" or offshoots from the base of the plant which will grow to mature size. It is best to leave pups attached until they are mature, or until the mother plant has died away. They have insignificant fibrous root system used for primarily for anchorage and less so for water absorption.
Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium: High temperature tolerant. Prefers to be mounted (in high humidity environments).
Edible & Side Effects if Ingested: Non-toxic if consumed, though these are typically used for ornamental, not edible, purposes.
Pot Size & Packaging: A single tillandsia plant is shipped bare-root, wrapped in paper.
