I bought myself some glass globes that hang with a hole in the side. These are made for air plants (Tillandsia), one of my many near-gardening adventures.

I did a lot of research (as usual) so I can grow things right the first time and share my knowledge with all of you. Each article I studied mentioned that these plants were “easy, if understood.”

These epiphytes do not really have true roots. So, I think that’s what they mean. Know why you are growing, how it lives, and how it thrives.

In nature, these air plants hang on a tree or rocks, gleaning moisture and nutrients from the air. There are more than 500 species worldwide. The roots they have are for attachment. Their leaves have adapted, and they absorb nutrients and water.

Trichomes are tiny structures on the leaves that allow more surface area, for more absorption.

There are two categories of air plants:

・ Mesic –These come from the South America rainforests, thriving in the canopy of filtered light, and are deeper green, cupped shaped and have smoother leaves (less light);

・ Xeric — These come from desert climates, primarily rock dwellers; they have many more tricomes, with a gray, fuzzy look (more light).

These beautiful, interesting plants are only threatened by human collection and should never be taken in the wild.

With enough light and water, these interesting plants will thrive in homes. Misting every other day is a must. Once a week, you should take each plant you have and hold it underwater, submerging for 20 minutes to an hour to completely moisten it. Then drain the water. This rinses off any dust accumulation that can hinder feeding.

Before placing plants back into glass, or a terrarium, allow them to dry for four hours so the plants will not rot. Then place plants back where you keep them.

These plants bloom when ready. They are cousins to bromeliads, orchids, Spanish moss and pineapples, so they have the same bloom look. Just image those kinds of beautiful flowers in your home. They should be fertilized with bromeliad fertilizer. The colors of white, orange, red, pink and purple flowers brighten any area of the home.

They are quite simple to care for — any of you can grow plants “in the air.” In fact, you should join our class to get your own plant and learn how.

To learn more about air plants, go to http://go.osu.edu/airplants.

To join our hands-on class, get your own air plant and learn how to grow it, go to http://go.osu.edu/07-27airplantartistry.

Hughes is an Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.