In the Garden
Tillandsias
LIZ HUPPMAN
Species: Tillandsia (air plant) Tillandsias make up one of the most interesting groups in the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae). Most tillandsias are epiphytes (require no soil to grow) and are found growing on trees and rocks in their native habitats in tropical America.
There are more than 400 species in the genus Tillandsia. Many of these species have white hairs covering the leaves, which give the plants an attractive, silvery appearance. These hairs trap moisture for the plants and reflect sunlight for the plant's protection. Our native Hawaiian silverswords have adapted a similar strategy for dealing with their harsh environment.
Description: There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes in tillandsia species, from the small, viny Pele's hair or Spanish moss (T. usneoides), to some that can be more than 25 feet tall when they bloom. In Hawaii most species range in size from 2 to 12 inches across. Flowers may be purple, pink, yellow, white or red, and are fragrant in some species.
Landscape uses and care: Because of their small size and preference for growing on trees or rocks, tillandsias can be placed in many locations in a garden or on a lanai. A large cluster of even one of the smaller species is quite showy when flowering.
There are few plants as easy to maintain as tillandsias. Most prefer to grow in full or partial sun. They are drought-tolerant and don't require fertilizer. They have no serious insect pests, and because they are slow-growing they rarely require replanting.
They can be mounted on trees, rocks or cork bark, or planted in pots with a well-drained potting medium like hapu'u. Overwatering and too much shade should be avoided.
Liz Huppman is a research associate at Lyon Arboretum. "In the Garden" runs Fridays.
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Foray for foliage
Don't miss a great day of festive foliage during Lyon Arboretum's annual plant and craft sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at 3860 Manoa Road.A wide selection of ti varieties, tillandsias, orchids, poinsettias and native Hawaiian plants will be available, as well as the arboretum's popular tropical fruit jams and jellies. Hui Hana Hawaii also will offer decorations and gift items for Thanksgiving and Christmas such as door swags and cloisonne jewelry. Show up early to place your orders for fresh herb wreaths.
There will be free shuttle service to the arboretum with pickup points at Poelua Street and Nipo Street, where they intersect with Manoa Road. Call 988-0456.
Gardening Calendar
In the Garden runs Fridays in Today.
