TILLANDSIA, THE DAUGHTERS OF THE WIND
Tillandsias, with their 700 species mainly spread across Central and South America, are the most collected and appreciated epiphytic plants of all time. Also known as air plants, they do not belong to the orchid family (Orchidaceae) but are part of the Bromeliaceae family, subfamily Tillandsioideae. From a cultivation perspective, they share many similarities with orchids: they are epiphytic, can be grown on rafts or even without any support, and do not tolerate pots or ordinary substrates. In nature, they colonize tree branches, grow on power lines, telephone poles, roofs, in deserts, and in swamps. The possibilities of adaptation that nature offers are countless, and some creatures know how to exploit them in the most unusual ways. Among the most unconventional ways of subsistence, Tillandsias have chosen one that might even seem fantastical: they feed on air. These beautiful plants of the Bromeliad family disdain soil and choose to live freely wherever they happen to be—on tree branches, power lines, rocks, or the walls and railings of houses. Such independence stems from the peculiarity of their feeding method, common to all epiphytes.
CULTIVATION
Tillandsias thrive outdoors, especially if hung in the shade of a tree or tied to a piece of bark in a location protected from the midday sun. The need for direct sunlight varies depending on the species: in general, we can say that Tillandsias love good light all year round, with the precaution of protecting them from direct sun during the hottest hours of summer days. In the mild climate regions of Southern Italy, Tillandsias can remain outdoors all year. Tillandsias also adapt to living indoors, provided there is enough light and good ventilation. The support on which they are placed is irrelevant. Tillandsias kept outdoors in gardens and on terraces receive water from dew and rain. During periods of abundant rainfall, they need no care; otherwise, it is necessary to water them by spraying the leaves with water twice a day in summer when temperatures are high. Tillandsias poorly tolerate an excess of water in winter; for these plants, it is preferable to lack water rather than provide too much. Watering should be regulated according to the time of year, light intensity, and the plant's age and morphology. It should be abundant in spring and summer and limited in autumn and winter. If there is little light and low temperatures, the need for water is less. In general, plants with filamentous leaves should be watered more often than those with fleshy leaves.
FERTILIZATION
Despite adapting to live in poor environments, Tillandsias naturally receive essential nutrients to grow and reproduce, nutrients that may be lacking when removed from their natural habitat. To compensate for these deficiencies, fertilizers must be used. An optimal preparation would contain the three elements in equal parts (for example, 20-20-20); the recommended dose of fertilizer is one gram diluted in one liter of water. With this preparation, plants should be misted twice a month in spring and summer, and once in winter.
