Tillandsia butzii is an unusual air plant from the bromeliad family. Its slender, twisting green leaves emerge from a distinctive bulbous base marked with dark spots and mottling.

Like other air plants, Tillandsia butzii grows as an epiphyte rather than rooting into soil. This makes it ideal for terrariums, mounted displays and humid rooms around your home.

Key features

• Unusual bulbous and mottled base
• Long, narrow, twisting leaves
• Grows without conventional potting soil
• Ideal for humid terrariums
• Can be mounted onto wood, cork or other displays
• Compact houseplant for bathrooms and kitchens

Plant size

• Height: around 15cm to 25cm
• Spread: around 10cm to 20cm

Other common names

• Butzii air plant
• Air plant

How to grow Tillandsia butzii

• Grow in bright, indirect light
• Provide good humidity with plenty of air movement
• Do not plant in conventional soil
• Use in open terrariums or well-ventilated humid enclosures
• Bathrooms and kitchens can provide suitable humidity in the home

Watering your air plant

• Mist or soak the plant a couple of times each week
• Use rainwater where possible
• Water more frequently in warm, dry conditions
• Shake off excess water after soaking or spraying
• Allow the plant to dry between waterings
• Avoid leaving water trapped around the bulbous base

Using Tillandsia butzii in a terrarium

Tillandsia butzii works particularly well in humid planted terrariums where its twisting foliage can grow around branches and other features. Attach it loosely to cork bark, branches or hardscape rather than burying the base.

Good ventilation remains important. A humid environment combined with stagnant air and constantly wet foliage can encourage the plant to rot.

Looking for an air plant with a little more character? The spotted base and curling leaves of Tillandsia butzii make it particularly distinctive in terrariums and indoor plant displays.