Houston' is a hybrid cultivar of the genus Tillandsia in the Bromeliad family. This hybrid differs from its parent species in size, being much larger, leafier, and bearing larger spikes. It is intermediate between the parents in other characters.
The Tillandsia houston air plant is very striking and almost "glows" with its green and silvery appearance. One of the larger sized Tillandsia, the houston air plant's leaves turn a silvery/purple color when starting the blooming process. As the plant continues to mature, its stiff leaves start to curve out in dramatic fashion. Once blooming, the houston will display amazingly delicate pink and white blooms. The plant grows fast and can produce a clump of offsets in a relatively short amount of time.
There are three main watering strategies: mist generously 3-7 times a week, submerge completely 2-4 times a week, or soak for 1-2 hours once a week. To prevent rot, shake excess water out of crevices and give enough airflow for the plant to dry within 4 hours.
Air plants need all the indirect sunlight they can get and should only be kept in low-light rooms temporarily. They can tolerate direct sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon, and it can even bring out brighter pigments in the leaves.
These plants need no soil or container. Arrange them with sand, sea glass, rocks, or shells, but avoid absorptive materials like soil and moss.
Almost any good water soluble acidic fertilizer will work. Dilute the fertilizer to 1/4th or even 1/8th strength and spray it onto the leaves every two weeks while the plants are actively growing. It is best to avoid fertilizers that contain urea or fish emulsion.
