Tillandsia Bromeliad Plant
Several species of the plant genus Tillandsia look like an ominous, eight-legged tarantula. Thankfully though, these plants do not bite.
Tillandsias are the largest genus of the Bromeliad family of plants. They boast of their ability to grow and prosper without soil, which is something that very few other plants are able to do. Instead of soil, nature has provided them with another mechanism through which they are able to receive the moisture and nutrients they need in order to survive. Instead, it is through their specially developed leaves that these plants derive these things. So, while many of these plants do have a highly developed root system, instead of deriving water and nutrients from the soil, its primary purpose is to secure these plants to a host.
These plants also have an outer layer of hair, which is known as trichomes. They work like trap doors. Whenever a plant dries out, these trichomes open up and absorb more moisture and nutrients. Once they are able to achieve a sufficient amount of hydration, the trichomes close up once again in order to retain this moisture. Those plants whose leaves have a dense concentration of trichomes are generally from an environment that is both sunny and dry. This is why their leaves have a tendency of being grayer and stiffer than those plants that are from an environment that is both humid and shady. These plants are able to do well in such environments because of the concentration of trichomes on the leafs surface, which allows the plant to be able to absorb more moisture while also being able to reflect the harsh effects of the sun.
With the exquisite way in which this plant is made up, you should not be surprised to hear that Tillandsias also have have very exquisite foliage. While in bloom they are magnificent in appearance. Their foliage is actually their most outstanding feature. However, most Tillandsia only bloom once in their lifetime. Once they are done blooming, pups or offsets form around the base or axil of the plant. These can be made into smaller plants so that you will be able to have more Tillandsia plants around your home or office. Thankfully, propagating these pups is much easier than doing this from seed. Make sure that you only do this once the offsets from the mother plant reach about half of her size though.