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Make an air plant chandelier

Go aerial with air plants for a striking indoor feature

Air plants (Tillandsia) need no potting compost, so are full of creative potential when it comes to their display. With these plants you can make indoor arrangements unlike any other by attaching them to wood, nestling them in the branches of other house plants, or growing in a hanging mobile. 

Keeping them airborne ensures these plants, which hail from the treetops of South America, have good ventilation, avoiding the damp conditions that can cause them to rot.

The air plants can be gently secured using thin florists’ wire, but do check them every few weeks to make sure the wire is not biting as the plants grow. Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is easiest hung loosely over the top of the mobile. 

Hang them near a bright window and water weekly by submerging the plants in a bowl of water – preferably rainwater – for a few minutes, then letting them drain. Mist them once or twice a week.

Ingredients

  • 9–11 mixed tillandsias
  • 5m (161⁄2ft) thin florists’ wire
  • circular wreath frame
  • raffia 


1) Make a line-up

Tillandsias come in a range of shapes and textures

Place the air plants by size and shape into a well-balanced arrangement, in a line, to keep track of positioning.

2) Cut wires to length

Florists' wire makes an unobtrusive hanging material

Wrap fine florists’ wire around each plant in the line, starting with a short wire then gradually making each one longer.

3) Secure in place

Get creative combining different shapes and sizes

Twist each wire around the wreath frame to secure it. Raffia wound around the frame will help to hide any loose ends. 

This article is adapted from an item in The Garden magazine.

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Recommended plants

Tillandsia crocata × usneoides
<em>Tillandsia</em> <em>crocata</em> × <em>usneoides</em>
Tillandsia usneoides
Spanish moss
  • 4–8 metres
  • 4–8 metres
<em>Tillandsia</em> <em>usneoides</em>
Tillandsia albertiana
Albert's air plant
  • 0.1–0.5 metres
  • 0.1–0.5 metres
<em>Tillandsia</em> <em>albertiana</em>
Tillandsia crocata × usneoides
<em>Tillandsia</em> <em>crocata</em> × <em>usneoides</em>
Tillandsia usneoides
Spanish moss
  • 4–8 metres
  • 4–8 metres
<em>Tillandsia</em> <em>usneoides</em>
Tillandsia albertiana
Albert's air plant
  • 0.1–0.5 metres
  • 0.1–0.5 metres
<em>Tillandsia</em> <em>albertiana</em>
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