The tillandsias are secured to the cork with a double strand of 20 gauge coated steel wire. The wire is wrapped around the base of the plant and then twisted together on the back of the cork. You will need to drill two holes in the cork to get the wire to the other side. Twist and tighten the wire so the plant is held firmly. Be careful that you do not damage the plant when tightening the wire. Once attached to the tree the tillandsias are easy to water with a hose. All the moisture that the tillandsia receive will add to the humidity in tree canopy. The added benefit is that the plants will get plenty of dappled light and air movement, just as they would in their natural habitat. Your tree garden will do better with more plants than with fewer.
Tree gardening is an easy way to create a micro climate for your tillandsia collection. If you live in a zone that will allow you to grow your tillandsias outside all year, then this may be for you. This tree garden was created in Goleta, California by Ted Umbour. He attached each tillandsia to a piece of cork bark and then secured the cork to the Jacaranda tree. Cork makes a perfect host for most all tillandsias. Cork is not prone to fungus and retains just enough moisture to encourage root growth. No need to use any moss with the mounting, as that would keep the base of the plant too wet.
The tillandsias are secured to the cork with a double strand of 20 gauge coated steel wire. The wire is wrapped around the base of the plant and then twisted together on the back of the cork. You will need to drill two holes in the cork to get the wire to the other side. Twist and tighten the wire so the plant is held firmly. Be careful that you do not damage the plant when tightening the wire. Once attached to the tree the tillandsias are easy to water with a hose. All the moisture that the tillandsia receive will add to the humidity in tree canopy. The added benefit is that the plants will get plenty of dappled light and air movement, just as they would in their natural habitat. Your tree garden will do better with more plants than with fewer.
11 Comments
brian coyne
7/9/2014 12:41:42 pm
This is more than amazing. You got these pictures at a perfect time of day with perfect lighting. I'm encouraged. I've got to try this in Huntington Beach
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Lynn Hudson
7/9/2014 02:46:08 pm
Excellent, well done Ted. Only one item is needed to complete this wonderful tillandsia display - a set of comfortable seats - stadium type would be ideal to get a really good view.
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Pamela Koide Hyatt
7/11/2014 12:03:09 pm
Hi Lynn,
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Bob Spivey
7/11/2014 12:46:56 am
Wish I could do this here in north Louisiana. Looks great.
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2/21/2021 09:05:22 pm
Every single person should see and learn how to plant a tree. It will be vital for us and ecosystem
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Mary Maguire Lerman
4/7/2023 11:50:17 pm
Pam- I am a volunteer at Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul, Mn,
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6/13/2023 06:25:48 am
The image looks so nice. I wish I know to do this also.
Reply
10/5/2024 10:20:27 pm
Great post on composting! I just started my own bin, and it’s fascinating to see how quickly everything breaks down.
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Horticulturalist & Explorer Specializing in the Genus Tillandsia.
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