Tillandsias bear flowers which come in various forms and colours, some brighter than others. Tillandsia ionantha, for example, has tiny violet flowers at the centre of its rosette but makes up for it by having the leaves surrounding the flowers turn to bright red during blooming time or when the climate is cold. Air plant is epiphytic, meaning that it lives by absorbing water and nutrients through its leaves, rather than from soil. Air plants can be grown in crevices or depressions of a gnarled piece of wood, wired onto a twig wreath with enameled florists' wire, or tucked into a seashell. Put the plant's roots on sphagnum moss to keep them from drying out. Do not use treated wood, or driftwood that may contain sea salt. Air plants love air. Big surprise. Putting them in a spot where they'll get good air circulation allows the leaves to dry between waterings, just as they would in the wild. An open window (when it's warm) or a ceiling fan can help.

• has tiny violet flowers
• Air plant is epiphytic
• that it lives by absorbing water and nutrients through its leaves
• rather than from soil
• Worldwide

has tiny violet flowers