tillandsia cyanea

[bonsai1504]

i have seen some tillandsias in a clump that is just hanging by a string and i am wondering if tillandsia cyanea can be grown like this and if it is safe to remove the soil and try to do this while it is flowering.

[Tindomul]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think this one needs to be able to collect some water rather than just absorb it from the air like Tillandsia ionantha and the like. For the string, I think you would be better off with T. ionantha and similar species whose leaves are silvery and turn green when wet. Those just collect moisture from the air as well as appreciate misting. I think T. cyanea likes it better mounted.

[bonsai1504]

ok. i will put it on tree fern

[Ross]

Why is it in soil Never heard of this in soil. While a few plants may have adapted to ground conditions, I think most Tillandsias grow attached to trees. At least all the 10 (or so) spp I have do. I suggest mounting, although the roots serve no function whatsoever in gathering water/nutrients, but serve exclusively as anchoring devices. They are pretty much useless depending on your mounting. Mine are just setting on display devices with no roots and bloom every spring.

[bonsai1504]

i got it at wal-mart and it was potted in soil. it had tons of roots and it looked like it was growing new ones(brown nubs with white tips) anyway, i mounted it on tree fern.