Air Plant (Ionantha Ionantha) is one of the most abundant in the Tillandsia family. They grow from Florida to Central and South America in forest canopies. When most people think Air Plant they are picturing the Ionantha . This plant ships between 2 and 3 inches and will grow taller, but not much taller. As the plant comes into bloom the silver green will give way to orange, then red, and a purple flower with a yellow center will emerge. Part of the reason Ionantha are so popular is because each one is a little different and they are all brimming with personality. The Ionantha 15 plant set contains 15 plants, 8 oz. Hinterland Trading Air Plant Fertilizer, and detailed care instructions. Air Plants (Tillandsia) get their common name from the fact they don’t require soil. They are epiphytes, which attach to other plants or trees for support. Their roots are only used to anchor themselves and are normally removed during cultivation for aesthetics. They are not parasitic, instead they gather micro nutrients from the air and water in structures called trichomes on their leaves. As the plant dries the trichomes take on a white powder look. After watering the plant will return to a vibrant green. Air Plants must dry fully between watering because they are susceptible to rot if left wet to long. These Air Plants will only bloom once, but after the bloom they can form up to 12 “Pups”, or offspring, at their base. The main plant will slowly be on its way out, but the Pups will continue to thrive and will separate when mature. Air Plants prefer filtered sunlight as their natural home is under tree canopy. This makes them perfect house plants. Air Plant care is pretty simple. Upon arrival give your plants a good hour or two soak in a shallow bowl of water. Our plants are shipped on the drier side to avoid rot while in transit. Place the plants root/base side up and out of the water. The base is the area susceptible to rot if left wet to long. Over the course of an hour you will see the plant fill up and turn bright green. Once it is full, take the plants out, shake them gently to remove any excess water and let them dry before placing them in the terrarium. You can mist the plants a few times a week or repeat the soaking once a week or a combination of the two. Their needs will vary with their environment, but after a few weeks you will be able to read your plant like a book. Just remember the best thing you can do for your plant is to let it dry completely between watering. Air Plants like as much filtered sunlight as they can get. Anywhere within 8 feet of a window that gets light for the better part of the day will work. If that’s not possible they can live on artificial light, but the source has to be pretty close like a desk lamp. They like sleeping as much as we do so at least 6 hours of darkness per day will work and 10 would be ideal. As tempting as it is, use your Hinterland Trading Air Plant Fertilizer sparingly. Just a few pumps every other week when watering. As a special treat you can collect rainwater for your Air Plant, the nutrients in rainwater or pond water are more abundant than in the air or tap water, but this is not necessary.