bromeliads.
Tillandsia caputmedusae, from Mexico, has twisted, felty, silvery-grey leaves growing from a celery-like base. The pale blue flowers grow on a short flower stalk.
Tillandsia cyanea, from Ecuador, has a rosette formed from narrow leaves that have reddish-brown markings near the base. Large, lavender-blue flowers bloom from the large, flat, bright pink inflorescence. This is a spectacular indoor plant.
Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss, vegetable horsehair, old man's beard) grows from the southern United States to Argentina. Its silvery-gray, string-like masses are not parasitic but sometimes damage trees by blocking out the light or by suffocating them.
Spanish moss is very difficult to keep alive indoors. Since it looks much the same dead or alive, you can keep it hanging around -- dead -- for years.
Most tillandsias grow best on slabs or branches. Mist or dunk them daily. They prefer bright to filtered light, warm temperatures, good air circulation, and excellent drainage.
Has reading about bromeliads encouraged you to start flexing your green thumb? To learn more about gardening, see:
