My New Tillandsia

After the NSAD compulsory Family Day, I hitched a ride in Madam Karen's car to Pasir Ris MRT station. Reached there at about 9pm. Since it was still a bit time before the shopping centre closed, I went for a tour and found nothing special.

Hence, I went to those mobile carts where more interesting stuffs were sold. One of them caught my attention: Tillandsia, commonly known as Airplants. I have always been wanting to try my hands on planting. However, there several srtingent criterias. 1. My house has no sunlight, not a tiny little bit even when the sun is scorching hot. Lights have to be on throughout the day. 2. There lacks air circulation. 3. The plant must be hardy, able to live on in the hands of a lazy owner. 4. No mess, soil and water is a pain in the ass.

What is so attractive about the airplants is that they do not rely on roots to absorb water and nutrients. In fact, they can do without roots. Instead, they have highly developed foliar hairs or scales called trichomes on their leaves, the trichomes help the plants absorb water and nutrients.

Another thing is that they flower and self-reproduce like pineapples. Talk about money for value.

After asking tons of questions which the shop owner answered them without a sweat, I am rather convincted that I should be able to make one stay alive.

Thus, I bought the following: one plant ($3.80), two spray cans that do spray mist of water reliably ($2.00 each), one cansiter of fertiliser which can last more then one year ($3.50), a table lamp which I hunted around Ang Mo Kio for one that do stand on the table, bendable, uses common replaceable bulbs ($15.00), a Phillips Cool Day Light 18Watts light bulb ($9.50) and a small, transparent glass bowl ($1.50).

I put the plant on a pile of crystals which I bought three years ago and into the bowl. Have to force-feed it with artificial light for 10 to 14 hours daily. Just nice from the time I leave home to the time I come back.