The Tillansia Xerographica
When you think about the king of the jungle, you probably think of lions. Maybe Tarzan comes to mind if you are a big Disney fan. What if I told you that there is another king of the jungle…the Tillansia Xerographica! The Xerographica, nicknamed “the king of air plants,” is a stately air plant that can be found in the tops of trees in tropical South America. Its location (perched high in the jungle), as well as its large size, makes the Xerographica the lion-equivalent of air plants. It’s truly a unique and beautiful plant.
Keeping to the Epiphytes Theme
Last week when we featured the amazing Staghorn Fern as our plant of the week, and told you that they are epiphytes. In case you missed it, epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants without being parasitic. Air plants, the Tillansia Xerographica included, are also epiphytes that grow on host plants.
You can also enter to win this plant three different ways: in store, or online through our Instagram and Facebook accounts. Winners must be able to pick up in store. Giveaway ends on November 17, 2019.
Quick Facts on the Tillansia Xerographica
- Water once per week by submerging the air plant for 20-30 minutes in a bowl of water, or filled up sink
- Fun fact: Because we carry so many of these plants, Jenni actually waters them weekly in her bathtub—if you buy enough of these, you could also
- Air plants absorb water from their fronds. When watering them, place them in water roots-up, and submerge fronds fully.
- Allow the air plant to dry fully, upside down, on a towel before returning the air plant back to it’s home. We suggest an hour, and we recommend the towel because it helps to draw out any water left in the crevices of the plants that can lead to rot.
- Between watering, mist your plant if you wish. While not absolutely necessary, these plants are used to humid climates and are watered by heavy dew, so they love to be misted!
- Fertilize your air plants once a month to assist their growth
- Keep your air plant where you want–on a shelf, in one of our amazing hanging air plant holders. However, please do not put your air plant in soil.
- These plants will tolerate flexible light situations, but bright, indirect light is really bes
Looking for more? Check out some of our other plant posts on our blog.