Roof Air Plant Tillandsia tectorum
ABOUT
The Tillandsia tectorum, commonly known as the air plant, is a unique and striking species that boasts a distinct appearance. The most notable feature of the air plant is its dense covering of fine, silvery-white hairs known as trichomes, which give it a frosty or fuzzy look. These hairs are an adaptation to help the plant capture and retain moisture from the air. The leaves of the air plant are typically narrow and taper to a point, forming a rosette-like pattern that can be quite symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. The coloration of the leaves is usually a light silvery-green, and as aforementioned, the trichomes contribute to the white, snowy appearance. The air plant may bloom, and when it does, it produces delicate flowers. The flowers emerge from the center of the rosette and add a splash of color contrasting with the muted tones of the foliage. They are commonly sought after for their ornamental appeal, and their unique ability to grow without soil makes them a popular choice for creative displays in homes and gardens. They often cling to a variety of surfaces such as rocks or tree branches, reflecting their adaptability and ease of care.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Bromeliaceae.
Synonyms
Roof Air Plant, White Air Plant, Snowball.
Common names
Tillandsia tectorum
ToxicityTo humans
Tillandsia tectorum, also known as the air plant, is not toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting this plant, and it is generally considered safe to handle and have within homes and spaces where people live and work.
To pets
The air plant is also non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It should not cause any harm if incidentally ingested by pets. However, as with any non-food plant, consuming large amounts of it can potentially lead to digestive discomfort or blockages due to the indigestible nature of the plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver-gray
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Plant type
Bromeliad
Hardiness zones
11
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy Care: Tillandsia tectorum requires minimal watering and can thrive with just occasional misting and indirect sunlight.
- Drought-Tolerant: Adapted to dry environments, this air plant can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for people who travel or occasionally neglect their plants.
- No Soil Needed: As an epiphyte, Tillandsia tectorum grows without soil, which eliminates the risk of overwatering and soil-borne diseases, and makes it easy to display in a variety of creative ways.
- Decorative: With its unique silvery-white appearance and fuzzy texture, it adds an eye-catching aesthetic to any home or office décor.
- Pet Friendly: Tillandsia tectorum is non-toxic, making it safe to keep around pets.
- Low Space Requirement: Due to its compact size, this air plant is ideal for small living spaces or for adding greenery to desks and shelves.
- Enhances Humidity: Like most plants, Tillandsia tectorum releases moisture into the air, which can be beneficial in dry indoor environments.
- Educational: Owning and caring for an air plant can be an educational experience, allowing owners to learn about plant biology and the diversity of plant life forms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Display: Tillandsia tectorum's unique fuzzy appearance is used to add aesthetic appeal to homes and offices when featured in terrariums, glass globes, and as part of indoor "living" art installations.
- Jewelry and Fashion: Crafters sometimes incorporate Tillandsia tectorum into wearable items like broaches, hair accessories, or as embellishments on handbags as a living element of design.
- Wedding Decor: It is often used in wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, table centerpieces, and decorative accents for a natural, often bohemian touch to the décor.
- Seasonal Ornaments: During festive times, this plant can be used as a natural ornament for Christmas trees or wreaths, providing a green, festive touch.
- Photography Props: Due to its unique texture and form, Tillandsia tectorum is used as a prop in still-life photography or as a backdrop in macro photography.
- Education Tool: It is used for educational purposes to teach about epiphytic plants and how they can survive without soil, making it a great tool for botanical education and demonstrations.
- Craft Projects: The plant is used in various DIY craft projects for making fairy gardens, miniature landscapes, or as an element within mixed-media art pieces.
- Gifts and Souvenirs: Because of its unusual look and low maintenance, Tillandsia tectorum is popular as a unique gift item or souvenir, especially for plant enthusiasts.
- Event Favors: This plant is often given as a favor for events like corporate gatherings, garden parties, or ecological conferences to represent a connection to nature.
- Wall Art: Mounted on wood, bark or any suitable frame, Tillandsia tectorum can be transformed into a piece of living wall art for interior decoration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tillandsia tectorum, also known as air plant, can be used in Feng Shui to introduce wood energy, enhance air quality, and bring a sense of balance and calm into the home. It's best placed in the east or southeast area of a space to foster health and family or wealth and abundance, respectively.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tillandsia tectorum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Tillandsia tectorum, commonly known as Roof Air Plant, often grows in challenging conditions on rooftops and cliff faces, symbolizing the ability to thrive in adversity.
- Independence: As an air plant, the Roof Air Plant does not need soil to grow, symbolizing self-reliance and independence.
- Air Purification: Like many air plants Tillandsia tectorum is believed to help purify the air, representing cleanliness and a healthy environment.
- Creativity: The unique appearance and growing habits of the Roof Air Plant symbolizes thinking outside the box and creativity.
- Unique Beauty: With its fuzzy, silvery leaves, the Roof Air Plant symbolizes unique and unconventional beauty.
WaterAir plants like the Tillandsia tectorum, commonly known as Snowball Air Plant, should be watered by soaking them in water for about 20 to 30 minutes every one to two weeks. After soaking, gently shake off excess water, and place them in a location with good airflow to dry fully. This prevents rot and keeps the fine, hair-like trichomes on their leaves healthy. Depending on the humidity level in your home, you might reduce watering to once every three weeks during winter months. Air plants thrive when they are watered with rainwater or pond water; however, plain tap water that has been left standing for a few hours to dissipate chlorine can also be used. Never water with just a few onzes; always provide enough water to fully submerge the plant when soaking.
LightSnowball Air Plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It is best placed in an area where it receives plenty of light, but without direct exposure to the harsh midday sun, which can burn its foliage. East or west-facing windows are ideal spots, offering the right balance of light and shade. If the natural light is too low, consider using artificial grow lights to supplement.
TemperatureSnowball Air Plant does well in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive brief periods of cooler or hotter temperatures, but prolonged exposure outside of this range can be harmful. The ideal temperature for promoting growth and maintaining plant health is within the range of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning of the Snowball Air Plant is primarily for aesthetic purposes, to remove any brown or dead leaves that may occur. Use a pair of sharp scissors and gently trim away the unwanted foliage. This helps the plant maintain its attractive shape and can encourage better air flow around the leaves. The best time for pruning is after the plant has been watered, as the leaves are more flexible. Prune as needed, there's no strict schedule to follow.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Roof air plant, Tillandsia tectorum, actually does not require soil as it is an epiphytic plant that absorbs moisture and nutrients through its leaves. Instead of soil, it thrives mounted on a substrate like driftwood or bark, or simply placed amongst rocks. If potted, a fast-draining mix similar to orchid bark should be used. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, around 5.5 to 7.
RepottingRoof air plants like Tillandsia tectorum do not require traditional repotting. Since they get their nutrients from the air, they do not grow in soil and therefore there is no substrate to change. Mounting or securing the plant to a suitable base is all that's needed, and it should be done only when the plant has outgrown its space or if the mounting material deteriorates.
Humidity & MistingRoof air plant, Tillandsia tectorum, flourishes in high humidity environments. The ideal range is between 50-70% relative humidity. If the air is too dry, the trichomes on the leaves that absorb water from the air can't function efficiently.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Mount on wood/bark, bright indirect light, mist weekly.
Outdoor
Secure on trees or rocks, partial sun, shelter from heavy rain.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleTillandsia tectorum, commonly known as "roof air plant," begins its life as a seed dispersed by wind due to its small size and ability to travel long distances. Upon finding a suitable nook, often on rocks or in tree branches, the seed germinates and begins to grow into a small, silver-leafed rosette, deriving nutrients from the air and rainwater through its specialized trichomes. This perennial air plant continues to grow slowly, eventually reaching maturity and flowering only once in its lifetime, producing beautiful white or purple flowers. After flowering, which can take several years, Tillandsia tectorum develops offsets, or "pups," at its base; these pups are clones of the parent plant and will grow into new individuals. The parent plant gradually dies back after pup production, completing its life cycle. The pups continue to grow, slowly reaching maturity themselves and perpetuating the life cycle of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Tillandsia tectorum, commonly known as the Roof Air Plant, is typically propagated through the division of offsets, also called "pups." These pups emerge from the base of the mother plant once it has flowered and started to decline. The best time for propagation is during the warmer months, when growth is more vigorous, usually from late spring through late summer. To propagate, one gently removes the pup when it is about one-third the size of the parent plant. This is done by carefully pulling the pup from the mother plant, ensuring that it has some roots attached if possible. The pup is then allowed to dry for a few hours to let the wound heal before being mounted or placed in its new location. It is important to provide the new pup with bright, indirect sunlight, and good air circulation to encourage healthy growth.
