GROWING GREENS

It’s easy to see why air plants and succulents have grown in popularity. These greens come in various colours, textures and leaf shapes, are affordable, and almost impossible to kill – making them the perfect home accessory.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

It’s easy to see why air plants and succulents have grown in popularity. These greens come in various colours, textures and leaf shapes, are affordable, and almost impossible to kill – making them the perfect home accessory. Here are some easy-to-care-for plants, and tips from Tan Wei Jie, founder of plant webstore Rabbit Island.

Clockwise from top (the long plant): TILLANDSIA SPANISH MOSS; SEDEVERIA LETIZIA; BEAR PAW SUCCULENT; BLACK PRINCE; TILLANDSIA XEROGRAPHICA; TILLANDSIA IONANTHA
Clockwise from top (the long plant): TILLANDSIA SPANISH MOSS; SEDEVERIA LETIZIA; BEAR PAW SUCCULENT; BLACK PRINCE; TILLANDSIA XEROGRAPHICA; TILLANDSIA IONANTHA
TILLANDSIA SPANISH MOSS

The Spanish moss is not actually a moss, but a fast-growing air plant that requires plenty of water. It is best left outdoors – though it can survive indoors with adequate sunlight. Rotted or brown leaves caused by tangling or lack of water should be trimmed.

SEDEVERIA LETIZIA

This small plant features tightly arranged leaves that turn red in cool but sunny areas, and green in hot and shady spots. It grows up to 20cm tall, and needs well-drained soil.

BEAR PAW SUCCULENT

Plump and fuzzy with reddish “claws”, this succulent resembles its namesake. With proper care in the shade, and in soil that has good drainage, it can grow quite densely, and up to 50cm tall. Its leaves are prone to dropping when underwatered, so water every time the soil is dry.

BLACK PRINCE

A rare Echeveria succulent in Singapore, the Black Prince is a dark-hued, low-growing succulent that blooms into a rosette. It may start off green, especially when kept indoors, but will eventually turn dark purple or black when it receives full sunlight. The Black Prince is a dramatic departure from the usual green options.

TILLANDSIA XEROGRAPHICA

This voluptuous species can grow up to 60cm in diameter – albeit slowly – and live up to over 40 years. It has wide, silvery green leaves and may flower once it reaches maturity. As it grows on tall trees, this hardy plant can survive in direct sunlight.

TILLANDSIA IONANTHA

These common air plants typically have sharp and sprightly leaves (much like a pineapple head) or curly and dangly ones. They only flower once in their lifetime, so opt for plants with pink or purplish tips if you’d like to witness this rare sight from the beginning. When it produces pups, you can either let them grow out in clumps, or separate them.

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Three ways to display your plants

A STRING BOARD

Create living wall art by placing all your air plants on a string board. All you need to do is nail the borders of a wooden plaque, and web the string in any way you want. Your plants will sit comfortably between the little niches you’ve created.

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UNUSUAL VESSELS

Instead of the usual pots, form a vignette on your window ledge or sideboard with a collection of quirky alternatives, such as organic-shaped glass bowls (available from decor store Nid D’Oiseaux), seashells, or hollow cement blocks. For succulents, fill these containers with sand or earth.

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HANG ‘EM

As they don’t need soil, air plants are incredibly versatile plants that can be placed anywhere, including in sea urchin shells. Simply use a dollop of air plant glue to secure it, and tie a string or bendy wire around the shell. Alternatively, you can bend a wire around the base of the plant and string it through the shell. Hang your plants on a dowel or window blinds.

Photography DARREN CHANG Art Direction YEW XIN YI