Tillandsia Tree:  A Great DIY Project

An exotic Tillandsia tree is one the most delightful and unusual additions to have in the home.

You can create your own exotic Tillandsia tree to serve as a focal point in your home or office and enhance your decorating style. It's great for welcoming guests and starting conversation.

The air plants will add drama and interest plus air-cleaning qualities for fresher and more breathable air.  These toxin- removing plants filter the indoor air of impurities such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene.

In their natural habitat Tillandsias, which are epiphytes, can be found growing on trees. They are not parasites, as they do not derive their nutrients from the trees. Most Tillandsia species use their root systems to attach themselves to trees or other objects.

They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves through small scales on their leaves called trichomes, where air plants get their silver or gray appearance. They are also known as sky plants.

With this air plant diy project, you can easily create an eye-catching display by growing these plants on uniquely shaped tree branches or on driftwood.

These plants are hardy and require minimal care, as they can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.  The three most critical requirements are bright light (not direct sun), good air circulation with fresh air, and water 1 to 2 times a week to remain healthy.

Tillandsia Tree DIY Project Materials

1.  Large unusually shaped tree branch
2.  Container, concrete or plaster of Paris to hold the branch in place
3.  Thin florist wire or glue to attach the plants
4.  Pebbles or bark chips or sphagnum moss to serve as soil covering
5.  Plant mister for the daily misting to add the humidity

How to Care for Your Tallandsia Tree

Light:  Place your plant near a South, East or West window in order to receive Bright light or filtered sunlight. If these light conditions are not possible, a broad spectrum fluorescent light,  will provide the necessary light requirements for your plants. In addition, a monthly rotation allows for continued color and vitality.

Ventilation: Locate your Tillandsias in a well-ventilated area as they love fresh moving air. The movement of air dries plants between waterings which helps to avoid any disease due to overwatering.

Water: Keep plants healthy with a watering schedule of 1 to 2 times a week. In dryer indoor environments caused by air-conditioning or heating, more frequent watering may be necessary.  Saturate the plants completely until water runs off.  Allow the plant(s) to dry completely between waterings.

Temperature: Very tolerant of a wide range of temperatures,  Although preferring temperatures in the seventies (Fahrenheit), with increased water, air circulation and shade, they can do quite well in temperatures well into the nineties.