Air Plants - A New Addiction

Tillandsia

So I have a new addiction :)  This family of plants is very interesting and quirky.  They come in many shapes and sizes, usually on the smaller side than what I'm used to growing.  I think that's why I'm so interested :)  I can grow many in a small space. 

  They are really easy to care for as long as you can follow these few simple rules:

1. Well lit location.  They prefer not to be in full afternoon sun.  They would rather be in a bright indirect location.
2.  Even though they don't grow in soil you still need to water them.  I find it easiest to toss them into my aquarium for 24 hours every week or 2.  You can mist them regularly or spray them with the hose when you water your other plants. 
3.  Make sure to provide high humidity.  You can do this by misting them regularly or resting them on a pebble tray like you might do for ferns, orchids or any other high humidity loving plants. 

   I will post some photos of my Plants..  They are still new to me but I will keep you posted as they grow.  I am not good with their names so if your an expert I would love some assistance in identifying them.  Please leave the names in the comments section :)



Plant A

Plant B

Plant C



Plant D



Plant E



Plant F

Propagating Mexican Butterwort - Pinguicula Caudate

Propagating Mexican Butterwort

Pinguicula Caudate

Leaf Cuttings

This is one of my Favorite plants right now!  My Mexican Butterwort has been a power house in my war against Fungus gnats over the winter in my home.  This particular Butterwort is a tropical variety and doesn't need a cold dormancy period and that really makes my life a whole lot easier.

This is my Butterwort when I first bought it
Notice the black specks on it :)  Those are the
Pesky Gnats.

The Butterwort has done such an Amazing job that I wanted to propagate it.  I have been reading that they grow VERY easily from leaf cuttings :)  Well I'll be the judge of that..lol..  we will try this together.  I have taken lots of photos so you can follow along with me. 






         What you'll need:

1. 1 butterwort Plant
2. Peat Moss without fertilizer added
3. Ziploc bag
4. Distilled water

I've filled my pot full of Peat moss

Carefully pinch off healthy looking lower leaves from your plant.  It was easier to do than I thought.  You might need some scissors or a knife.  try not to damage the crown of the plant.  They should snap off like your taking a leaf off your African Violet.  As you can see I removed 3 leaves for this experiment :)








Then you want to poke the tips of the "stem" into the soil.  This is very similar to propagating African Violets. Make sure to support the leaf.  In this case I've used the edge of the pot.  If you were doing lots you might be able to use small stones.









Then water your plant with distilled water.  I'm using rain water (actually melted snow..  It's winter here right now).  make sure that the soil is well watered.

  Then put your finished cuttings in a Ziploc bag to hold in that humidity.  I also put a small amount of water in the bag to keep the soil from drying out.  Put them in a warm well lit spot out of direct sun.  Check back from time to time to see if the soil needs more moisture. 

  When these start to sprout I will have an update for you..  I think it will about a month for things to start showing signs of life..  but stay tuned :)

Check out my latest update video on my Butterwort plant and other carnivorous plant seedlings

Happy Growing :)

   Bill