Tillandsia × 'Houston Compact' (Air Plant)

Tillandsia 'Houston Compact' is a charming hybrid air plant, a cross between T. stricta and T. recurvifolia, prized for its compact, tidy rosette of soft, arching leaves. Like all Tillandsia, it requires no soil whatsoever, drawing moisture and nutrients directly from the air through specialized leaf scales called trichomes. It stays small enough to display in a terrarium, shell, or piece of driftwood.

Bright indirect light is ideal. Mist the plant 2 to 3 times per week, or dunk it in room-temperature water for 20 to 30 minutes weekly, then shake out any water that pools in the center and let it dry fully within 4 to 6 hours to prevent rot. Avoid direct hot sun and keep it in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees F year round.

When conditions are right, 'Houston' types bloom with delicate pink to purple flowers on a bright pink inflorescence. Non-toxic to pets and children.