In the Spotlight: NorthFlora Collective shares tips on caring for air plants, epiphytes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Keith and Rocky Pogge from NorthFlora Collective shared the following tips on caring for air plants and epiphytes.

Air Plants & Epiphytes

• Tillandsia is a genus of around 650 species of evergreen, perennial flowering plants which are all part of the Bromeliad family.
• Air plants are epiphytes, which means they grow harmlessly on other things like branches, tree truck, rocks, and even buildings and other structures. They do not need soil or dirt to grow in.
• Air plants live WITHOUT soil thanks to the help of their trichomes:
  • Trichomes are the absorbent scales, and what gives most air plants their silvery sheen. A close inspection would reveal hollow, nail-shaped structures attached to the plant by a stem. Instead of absorbing water directly through the leaf tissues, these trichomes mediate the process and, in doing so, prevent the plant from losing more water than it gains.
  • Not all air plants have the same amount of trichomes either. In fact, trichome density can tell you a lot about the kind of environment a particular air plant calls home. The fuzzier the plant looks, the drier the habitat it can tolerate.
• Air Plant Care:
• Moisture:
  • Most air plants appreciate a more humid environment, but can tolerate almost any environment with an extra misting throughout the week.
  • It is recommended to soak your air plant for about 30 minutes, once every 1-2 weeks in between misting. To avoid rotting tour plant, after soaking MAKE SURE to place it upside down to allow water to escape any crevice.
• Lighting:
  • The natural habitat for air plants is in the tropical and subtropical North and South America. They cling to tree trunks and branches while being partly shaded by the host plants foliage. That being said, air plants don’t need a ton of light!
  • Outside: Mostly shaded area, with dappled sun
  • Inside: Medium indirect light
• PRO TIP: **Allow water to sit overnight to reach room temperature and to allow the chlorine to dissipate, which can cause brown leaf tips and other damage..
• Ecological Role of Epiphytes in our Ecosystem:
  • Nutrients cycling champions: They trap falling leaves, twigs, and other organic debris around their base. This debris, decomposes overtime, releasing valuable nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients and slowly leach into the surrounding ecosystem, feeding both the host plant and the soil below.
  • Homes for the Hidden: The nooks and crannies created by epiphytes provide valuable habitat for diverse range of creatures that include tiny insects, spiders, frogs, and even some reptiles.
  • Indicators of Change: Epiphytes are often sensitive to changes in air and water quality. A decline in their abundance or diversity can be an early warning sign of environmental degradation. By monitoring communities, scientists can gain valuable insights into the health of our ecosystem.

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