A Plant You've Got To See To Believe

So, I've talked about succulents, terrariums, upside-down planters...now I'm going to blab about another magical, mysterious wonder of the plant world: the incredible, soil-shirking Air Plant. When I started this blog, I didn't know it was going to be my mission to convert you all into houseplant-obsessed geeks like me, but it appears that is what this has become! :)

These rebels of the plant kingdom don't need any soil to survive...that's right, they just survive on air, sunlight and water, making them so versatile. How you display them is completely up to you...in a rock bed, on a piece of birch bark, in a glass orb...the possibilities are endless! I bought mine at i fiori on James St. North in Hamilton, but in nature they grow in southern climes just about anywhere they want to. I found the air plant I had previously on the ground in Florida, where it had landed after becoming dislodged from its home on the side of a palm tree. Unfortunately, it disappeared one day from its perch on my back patio (I've got my eye on you Mr. Squirrel), which necessitated a trip to the florist to find a replacement.

These are the two lovelies I came home with. One is actually in bloom, which I'd never seen before.

I decided to plant them in a felted wool bowl with some small stones in the bottom to anchor them. To take care of your air plants, simply place them in an area with plenty of indirect sunlight, then give them a good dunking whenever they start to feel crispy (once a week or more). If kept outside in the summer, the rain should be enough to keep them hydrated. 

I promise my next post will be something non-plant related :) In the meantime, I'd love to know if I've inspired anyone to add a little plant love to their home!