How to Grow and Care for Airplants

The spreading airplant (Tillandsia utriculata) is native to Florida and Georgia within the United States. The spreading airplant is also often called the giant airplant. This species is the host of many native invertebrate animals because it can hold a great deal of water in its leaves. It is susceptible to the invasive weevil Metamasius callizona, which has a profound effect on its native ecosystem.

Airplant (Tillandsia stricta) is a miniature tropical plant that makes a great addition to a terrarium or an enclosed indoor garden. The lush green leaves fan out from the center, growing thick and bushy as it matures. It produces clusters of eye-catching, pinkish-purple flowers that rise up above the plant on a green spike. Prefers bright indirect sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Water-loving: soak twice a week or mist three to four times weekly.

Spanish moss (*Tillandsia usneoides*) is native to subtropical and tropical Mexico, Central America, South America, and the southern United States. Spanish moss is also known as grandpa's beard in Polynesia. It grows on the surface of southern live oak and bald-cypress trees. It also finds commercial use in insulation, mulch, packing material, and mattress stuffing.

Sky plant (Tillandsia ionantha) is a plant species native to Central America, Mexico, Costa Rica, and South America. The sky plant has become naturalized in Florida. This species is a popularly sought-after air plant for home cultivation. It is popular because it is considered hearty and requires minimal care. Sky plant grows best in warm, humid rooms with occasional misting with water.

Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) is a flowering plant that grows on the surfaces of other plant species, most commonly the southern live oak. Ball moss is not a true moss, despite its name. This species is native to the southern United States, Argentina, and Chile. It was consumed by the indigenous Pima people of Mexico and can also be fed to animals.