Air Plant

Tillandsia is a genus of extraordinary plants which evolved to live without soil, drawing everything they need from the air, earning the nickname “air plants.”

Found in environments ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, they have evolved unique traits to thrive where other plants cannot. Their leaves are covered in tiny, specialized cells called trichomes, which absorb water and nutrients from rain, fog, and dust while also protecting the plant from drying out in harsh sunlight.

Unlike most plants, air plants “breathe” at night, taking in carbon dioxide when it’s cooler and less water is lost—a clever adaptation for dry conditions. They use their roots only to cling to surfaces like trees, rocks, or even power lines, allowing them to grow in seemingly impossible locations.

Your specimen, Tillandsia ionantha, will produce bright purple flowers. During its bloom cycle, the plant’s tubular flowers emerge from the center, often accompanied by vibrant red or pink coloration in the surrounding leaves. Simply mist or soak the plant weekly and provide bright, indirect light for it to thrive.