Familiar with Tillandsia? If you know what an air plant is, then you sure are! Tillandsia is the genus under which the many species of air plants fall (“air plant” is Tillandsia’s common name). Why incorporate Tillandsia into your home? For one thing, Tillandsia are low-maintenance. These epiphytes require no soil, as they absorb water and nutrients through their leaves.  We at Decoist love Tillandsia because they present many amazing opportunities for creativity in interior design. Today we learn more about Tillandsia air plant options, including display possibilities…

Popular Tillandsia Species

Air plants are native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and the southern United States, but you don’t need to live in one of these areas of the world to enjoy their beauty. Thanks to the magic of Etsy and other online retail possibilities, you can have air plants delivered to your home at affordable prices. Ordering them in bulk is no problem! Above we see 25 Bulk Wholesale Tillandsia Ionantha from Hinterland Trading.

See the ethereal, shimmering air plant leaves above? This Tillandsia tectorum is from Etsy shop Sea and Asters. This stunning Tillandsia native to the high mountains of Peru is known for its silvery scales, also called trichomes. Below we see the Large Tillandsia Stricta x Aeranthos, also from Sea and Asters. When blooming, this plant produces fuchsia bracts and purple flowers.

Tillandsia can even take on a rosy hue, as shown below with this Tillandsia Ionantha Fuego air plant from Plant in the Air. Check out those hot pink tones:

All of today’s featured Tillandsia finds come from Etsy. This e-commerce site is the perfect place to go for air plants, whether you’re looking to buy them in bulk or individually. Not to mention, Etsy artisans are constantly creating new and exciting air plant display options, from pods and planters to crystal gardens. Next we’ll check out some of today’s top Tillandsia trends.

Crystal Gardens

Can an air plant really thrive when glued to a crystal? Yes! Because Tillandsia don’t need soil to stay healthy, you can anchor them by their roots and let their leaves do the work of absorbing nutrients from the air (and the water received by regular spritzing). For more on air plant care, check out this post. Below we see Tillandsia on a Crystal Point from Falcon and Finch:

In fact, Falcon and Finch has an array of amazing air plant and mineral combinations, such as these Tillandsia Amethyst Gardens featuring Aeranthos “Mini-Purple!” Grey leaves are the perfect complement to the purple of the stones.

Here’s another gem from Falcon and Finch, this time featuring rose quartz:

For a showstopper that will make you take a second look, check out the Chalcopyrite Air Plant Holder from ThEeRabbitHole, featured below. Many beautiful colors can be found in the mineral, and the Tillandsia is truly the icing on the cake.

Tillandsia Planters

This section is titled “Tillandsia Planters”, but it may as well be called “Tillandsia Holders”, as many of these items simply provide a place to set or display the plant. With no soil required, the stylish possibilities are endless. Below we see Mini Square Concrete Air Plant Holders from Pippa Marx Studio:

For a similar look that utilizes wood instead of concrete, check out this Rustic Wooden Air Plant Holder from Spirit and Vine, which features a striking blue/grey tone that is perfectly on trend:

We’re also seeing a repurposing of both vintage and new items for the task of containing air plants. We love the creative approach taken with this Tillandsia Planter from Faddis Design. Yes, these “planters” are antique telephone line insulators. As mentioned in the description, “The tops of these insulators have been hand ground. They have been sanded to a frosted finish and meticulously cleaned.” Creative and clever. We love!

You didn’t think we could write about air plant containers without featuring geo style, did you? This Geometric Blue and Teal Handpainted Wooden Planter from Flaneur’s Pocket features a faceted form and plenty of color. Air plant included.

This sculptural set of 3 modern air plant stands from Gems of the Soil makes stunning use of wood and copper wiring. Not to mention, it elevates air planter design to new heights!

We end this section with an unforgettable Wooden Air Plant Display from 5Green Thumbs, featuring 5 plants! The Tillandsia are glued to the wooden base of this display, making it easy to watch the plants bloom and change over time:

Tillandsia Terrariums

The air plant terrarium is hardly a new concept, but it’s fun to see how these glass wonders are evolving with new styles and trends. We’re big fans of intricately packed selections, such as this Purple Tips Tabletop Air Plant Terrarium from The Zen Succulent, featuring preserved lichen, reindeer moss, shells and more:

Coral sand and a ceramic ring base make this Coral Garden Tabletop/Hanging Air Plant Terrarium from The Zen Succulent a true standout. Not to mention, there are 5 Tillandsia to enjoy:

Here’s one more unforgettable find from The Zen Succulent: the Air Globe Tabletop Terrarium, which celebrates rich autumnal tones against the backdrop of black. A black sea fan, black pebbles, and a green ceramic ring complete the look.

With the design-fabulous, low-maintenance tendencies of Tillandsia, it’s no wonder this plant genus is a favorite of design enthusiasts. Add the fact that air plants are super affordable, and you have a true winner!