Archive for the ‘tillandsia’ tag
Ball moss ( Tillandsia recurvata )
Tillandsia recuvata grows wild in the US from Arizona to Florida. It can often be found on oak trees, especially live oaks. It is an epiphyte ( air plant ). Ball moss grows 2″-6″ long and produces flowers on 6″ spikes in the autumn. It is part of the Bromeliaceae family of plants.
It can grow in full sun but is happiest under a tree canopy so I’d put it in a low light window or several feet from a window.
It loves humidity, we have ours in the bathroom, kitchens also work well for tillandsia plants. It does not like breezes so don’t put it near a fan.
It is sensitive to lime, which might be why the ends of this one are brown. I’ll have to try it on some bottled water and let you know if that helps. You might want to just use bottled water on yours. Rain water is best if available.
Do not use copper based fungicides near ball moss, they will kill the plant.
Ball moss uses its roots only as an anchor to hold itself in place. All food and water are taken in through the leaves. Small purple flowers appear on long stems in the spring.
See also:
Air Plants, Tillandsia
More information:
Ball Moss
Floridata: Tillandsia recurvata
Air Plants ( Tillandsia )
Tillandsia are part of the Bromelaid family of plants.
These are not so much grown in air as they are grown with out soil.
They still need regular soakings with water and fertilizer.
The plants have tiny scales which absorb nutrients. The more and larger the scales are the more light and less water the plant receives while out in the wild. The glossier ones want less light and more water.
Most prefer bright, indirect light. I have mine in a partly shaded east window and they are doing well there.
Some people grow these quite successfully in baskets and hold the plants under running water a couple of times a week. I find I do best with them in terrariums. I have mine sitting on glass beads in a terrarium. I keep the water in the beads but don’t let it get high enough to touch the plant. Mine are thriving this way. Use which ever method works best for you.
See also:
Ball Moss
