January Events: Talk by Mr Samson Chong on Air Plants

The members’ event in January was a talk about Air Plants (Tillandsias) for beginners, by Mr Samson Chong, a local enthusiast. It was held at the Botanika Outreach on Jan 19^th from 9.30am to 1.00pm.  

It was attended by 18 members, with a diverse range of interests in Air Plants or Tillandsia.

The Agenda for the morning was divided into two sections  - a presentation on what are air-plants, the various types and care and in the second half, a demonstration on how to mount them as well as a DIY session.

Air plants are an exotic type of epiphyte from the Bromeliad family. They are native to the forests, mountains and deserts of northern

Mexico , south-eastern United States, Mesoamerica and the Caribbean to mid Argentina. They are protected in some countries and are left to grow in the wild. Those that are sold are cultivated.

They are popular as decorative plants requiring minimal care. Most Tillandsia species are epiphytes – which translates to 'upon a plant'. They are also commonly known as Air plants as they absorb nutrients from the air through breathing and feeding hairs called trichomes in the leaves. The roots are merely to anchor themselves.

Samson Chong explaining the type of Air plant species to an attentive audience.

The three main types of common Air plants samples shown were: 

a) The Tillandsia ionantha:

 Tillandsia ionantha is also known as the sky plant. It is a species native to Central America and Mexico.  This is the most common tillandsia and is used mostly as decoration as the plant turns red when it's blooming.

b) Tillandsia xerographica:

Xerographica are known as the "Queen of Air Plants" for good reason! They are the perfect air plant to have due to their beautiful re-curving leaf structure and amazing bloom spikes.  They can tolerate bright light and go longer periods without water than most other plants.

                 

c)Tillandsia duratti:

Tillandsia Durati is a drought-tolerant air plant with fuzzy silvery leaves that curl up at the tips. It has amazing structure and is originally from the Great Chaco region (western Bolivia, eastern Paraguay, and northern Argentina). It is extremely drought resistant. It is also known as the monkey plant as it can slowly grow up tall trees.

In the second part of the session, the members were given a starter’s kit, consisting of an air-plant and a ‘root’ mount to attach the air-plant. The glue is non-toxic variety and does not harm the plant .Not all glues are suitable. Gluing it on the mount is similar to an epiphyte growing on a tree trunk or branch. Wires can also be used to mount the plant. Copper is extremely poisonous to air plants and should not be used. Iron or aluminium are usually used.

Spray watering about once in two days, is sufficient for the plant to flourish in a partially sunny area. These plants are slow growing and may take up to 2 years to reach appropriate size of maturity.

Members attaching Air plants to ‘root’ mounts

The group then participated actively in a Q&A session with Samson Chong, before some light refreshments were served.

Attaching the plant on.

On behalf of the committee, we would like to thank, Mr Samson Chong of AugustFame, who can be reached via facebook or email at augustfame88@gmail.com.  for the enlightening talk and demonstration.