A New Era: Air Plants!
A new design era is upon us and with that comes the rebirth of a classic, the air plant! Air plants (Tillandsia) have long been used as a novelty house plant but more and more designers are incorporating them into floral designs – just look to our new cover (below) for our Cream Of The Crop catalog coming out this week for inspiration! These sturdy little numbers pack a powerful design punch when incorporated into a bridal bouquet, center piece, or tablescape. Their unique architecture adds just enough to a design to generate interest but still allows the other flowers around them to shine though, plus their easy care and maintenance makes them very attractive to consumers.
Cream of the Crop Price List - mailing this week
There are a lot of air plant varieties out there, over 650 different varieties in fact, all of which belong to the bromeliad family and come in every shape and size imaginable. Colors range from soft dusty blues reminiscent of eucalyptus, to brighter lemony greens, and every shade of green in between, there is bound to be an air plant color to compliment any design you come up with. In addition to the green, you can often find these zesty little numbers with shades of pastel pink or even red towards the tips of their elongated spider like leaves. Sizes of air plants can range from tiny quarter sized plant all the way through dinner plate sized specimens that are sure to stop anyone in their tracks.
B3950 - Tillandsia Air Plant Asst Small
B4695 - Tillandsia Air Plant Asst Med
Try layering in larger and smaller sized air plants down the center of a table or even place some on pedestals to give you a feeling of depth and dimension to a tablescape. I am a big fan of tucking 2 or 3 in a centerpiece to capture the attention of the guests and keep their imaginations running wild. Brides also love that they have a keepsake from their bouquet to keep that will grow and live for years to come with proper care. With these in mind, there are so many ways that you can use these uniquely quirky plants, and when you put your mind to it there is no end to where your creative abilities can take you!
Stay tuned on Thursday for photos incorporating air plants into designs, and a few great tips and tricks when it comes to utilizing these gorgeous plants into your design!
Meet the Author
Corey Rader
Corey Rader came to DVFlora in July of 2014 and brought with him 10 years of design and industry experience. He first contracted floral fever when he was in high school and became engaged in a floral design program at the age of 14, by his 15th birthday he received a job offer working as a designer at a local flower shop. By the age of 16 he was working as a designer at 2 different flower shops as well as continuing his studies at The Burlington County Institute of Technology’s Horticulture program. Corey came to DVFlora as a sales assistant and still continues to work as a designer in his time off, floral design has been an important part of Corey’s life for years and now he looks to share his love with the rest of the world.
