Air Plant
Tillandsia capillaris
Also known as
Airplant
Tillandsia capillaris 1 by Nikolin rio (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Partial Shade
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H2
RHS hardiness
1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
7.000000000000001cm | Max | 8cm |
5cm | Min | 4cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
Air Plant Overview
Tillandsia capillaris is one of the few self-pollinating miniature air plants, this species from Chile is native to the coastal areas where it grows on large cacti. Its clump-forming habit makes it a popular choice. Produces delicate, 3 petalled, white flowers and grey-green foliage covered in small white hairs.
Common problems with Air Plant
Generally disease free, Slugs & snails can be a problem if placed outside in summer. They can also suffer from aphids & mealybugs.
How to harvest Air Plant
Generally not harvested.
How to propagate Air Plant
Division
Place the plant in a bowl of water for two or three hours to hydrate it. Gently spread the leaves of the plant to reveal the pups at its base. Separate the pups from the parent plant by gently pulling the plants apart at the base. Put the pups into the bowl of water as you separate them from the parent plant. Mist the pups each day, in the morning or early afternoon. Tillandsias are nocturnal and respire at night, which means they breathe in carbon dioxide at night. If the leaves are covered with a film of water, they cannot absorb the gas from the air.