Air Plants: The Curious World of Tillandsias

Sengo offers fresh possibilities to people who love plants in their homes but have little time, limited space, and a general disinclination toward plant care. Tillandsias, also known as air plants, meet those conditions, and this helpful volume outlines ways to cultivate and decorate with this odd genus, a member of the bromeliad family. Flourishing (almost) on neglect, tillandsias add an exotic note to window sills, on table tops, or suspended in air. The plants draw nourishment through their leaves, defying the horticultural logic that requires good soil with appropriate pH levels. They possess roots, which attach themselves to host as a means of finding optimal light and serviceable moisture. Tillandsias do need moisture regularly, whether acquired through a spray bottle, a faucet, or a good soak; otherwise they will dry out. Sengo’s informative book offers creative ways to enjoy these quirky plants, which require minimal care and enhance living space with a hint of exotic flare. 195 color photos. (Oct.)