Where Tillandsias are casually hanging, they catch everyone's attention. This spectacular cultivation is easier than it seems. The following instructions explain in detail how you can skillfully tie the exotic pieces of jewelry onto wood and hang them up correctly.
What is the best way to attach tillandsias to wood?
To attach Tillandsia to wood, ideally use nylon stockings as binding material. Cut these into 5 cm wide strips, position the tillandsia on a durable branch and secure it with the nylon straps by weaving and knotting them into the leaves.
Wooden base impresses with its many advantages
Almost all gray and white Tillandsia species are suitable for cultivation without a substrate. Wooden bases have several advantages. Over time, the tied plants will additionally connect to the wood via their small roots. You can also hang a branch securely with wire or hooks. Last but not least, a base made of organic material releases additional moisture to the plant.
Tie up tillandsias so they won't tip over - How to do it
Most tillandsia gardeners already have suitable binding material at home. Nylon stockings (€5.00 on Amazon), which are cut into 5 cm wide strips, have proven to be ideal in practice. Choose a branch made from a durable type of wood, such as black locust, yew or Douglas fir. How to properly tie up a tillandsia:
- Adjust the plant in its species-specific growth direction on the branch
- Weave the nylon straps into the leaves of a stemless tillandsia and knot them together
- Tie an existing trunk once to the right and once to the left
Ideally, an assistant will be available to hold the tillandsia in place on the branch while you wrap and knot the ribbons. Since the plant is desired to be rooted to the base, please do not add sphagnum or other moss. If the base is large enough, there is nothing wrong with attaching several tillandsias to it, as long as they have largely the same requirements in terms of location and care.
Hang up professionally in the ideal location – this is how it works
Once a Tillandsia has taken a seat on its wooden throne, it will only thrive hanging in a he althy and vital manner if the location is chosen carefully. Choose a bright, warm window seat that will be shaded from the blazing midday sun in summer time. So that the exotic animal does not come under drought stress when hanging, we recommend a humid room, such as the bathroom or the kitchen. Instead of watering, spray the bromeliads daily with soft water.
Hanging in glass plant balls
If tying it to a branch is too time-consuming, place the substrate-free tillandsia in a glass ball. You hang these on the branch with hemp ropes. This clever alternative also creates a more pleasant cultivation climate for the plant.
Tip
Sticked to stone or on the wall, Tillandsias offer a furious appearance. Of course, this form of attachment significantly limits the lifespan of the exotic beauties. In contrast to tying them on a branch, care is complex and delicate because the epiphytes are threatened by drought stress every day. On warm summer days you can't avoid spraying with soft water several times.
