26Succuterra Air Plants
I remember buying an air plant from Towers or Woolco when I was a kid. I was
desperate to have one during my “exotic things” phase (I’d just discovered Mexican
jumping beans at a local variety store). They seemed so jungle-like, so unlike my
Brantford, Ontario, surrounds. They were typically sold clinging to interesting
pieces of driftwood with the promise that you only had to mist them once a week—
that was it!
Air plants (a.k.a. Tillandsia) are the goldfish of the plant world. They are resilient
and the perfect option for those who like to travel or who live in sunlight-reduced
basements or condos without a balcony. Air plants have had a popularity surge as
DIYers have discovered the playful nature of terrariums and the cool factor of a
Tillandsia as a wedding favour. At downtown Toronto’s Succuterra, you can order
air-plant party packs (of five, 10 or 20 plants) or individual species like the surreal
striped Medusa or the Xerographica, the king of air plants. If you order the jumbo
size, buyer beware. As the online order form warns, “These babies are HUGE.
Way bigger than your face with tendrils reaching out at least a foot in length when
stretched.” For those who desire a little colour, the sturdy, silvery green Capitata
Peach unexpectedly blooms into a soft peach colour.
Succuterra will satisfy all your succulent, air plant and terrarium needs. The
blog space offers helpful tutorials for newbies, too!
succuterra.ca
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