Throughout the world, humans’ love for plants has become somewhat of an obsession, with cultivated varieties of every species overtaking even their native species in the race to be in every backyard and workplace. Along with this love for plants has come to the inevitable need to know precisely how best to grow each kind, from the quantity of fertilizer to exact hours of sunlight each plant needs, and of course, what is the best type of soil to grow each kind of plant in. What does not get talked about much is the fact that quite a few plants do not require soil at all but can grow in a variety of ways without the need for the nutrients from our beloved Earth. We have decided to explore some of the most interesting of these adventurous plants that have the ability to be free of mother nature’s grip and find their way to a thriving life without soils pitfalls.
Continue reading to find out about:
• The Lucky Bamboo Origin
• Lucky Bamboo Fun Facts
• The Floating Tillandsias Plant
• The Perfect Houseplant
• Burn Lovers Aloe Vera
The Lucky Bamboo Origin
Known scientifically as the Dracaena Sanderiana, quite the draconic sounding name, this species of flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family is not part of the same taxonomy as the well-known bamboo plants common to many parts of Asia. It is a native species of central Africa, and it was named after a gardener from Germany, Henry Frederick Sanders. It is incredibly popular in parts of India and is brought over from China, where it received its more common name Lucky Bamboo. It is sometimes known as curly bamboo, or even as the ribbon plant. The sanderiana is a perennial herbaceous plant and can reach upwards of a 100 cm in height. The leaves vary between green to grey green. Unlike its bamboo cousin, it has a somewhat fleshy stem.
Lucky Bamboo Fun Facts
Lucky bamboo plants are becoming more and more common nowadays, found in businesses, homes, and offices that are looking for a low maintenance plant. The stalks of lucky bamboo plants are incredibly tough, and the plant can survive a variety of conditions, from low to high sunlight exposure and varying temperatures, even if very poorly taken care of. These plants can thrive in soil but putting them in a simple vase with good quality water and some stones will keep them alive and kicking for a long time.
For those of you wondering where it got its name from, then look no further than the Chinese art of geomancy, known as feng shui. This ancient art is said to utilize the energy of the world to create harmony between individuals and their environment. In English, this translates to wind-water technique. Most lucky bamboo plants come from China and Taiwan, where a thriving business market exists. Professionals grow the plants, creating intricate shapes, and some of the more unique varieties can sell for hundreds of dollars. Don’t panic though. Smaller types can be found for cheap.
The Floating Tillandsias Plant
Part of a wide-ranging genus with over 600 species, the tillandsias, or more commonly named air plants, are a species of perennial plants. They are part of the Bromeliaceae family.
They are mainly found in parts of Mexico, the united states, as well as in parts of South America, typically in tropical areas or mountainous regions. These fascinating plants are generally found clinging to all sorts of objects through a web-like root system they develop, from telephone wires to rocks, tree branches, or whatever else they can get on. Their ability to absorb water that gathers upon them is what allows them to stay separate from the soil, and they do this through the use of trichomes, which are a kind of specialized cell running through their silvery leaves. They have very tiny seeds, which produce a sort of silky kite that picks them up and deposits them onto surfaces. Most of the species are epiphytes, the clinging type, but there are some known as aerophytes, which grow in the desert. Interestingly, tillandsias are one of the few plants that are pollinated not only by hummingbirds but also bats.
Due to their low watering requirements and not requiring soil, tillandsias are perfect houseplants. Hanging them near an area that gets good sunlight, such as close to a window, will keep them growing healthy for a long time. They can be watered as little as three times a week and will survive in most temperatures.
Burn Lovers Aloe Vera
With over 500 species in its genus, the aloe plant is a succulent flowering plant. Many people know this genus through its most popular cultivar, the aloe vera plant. Pharmaceutical companies widely use aloe vera for the gel-like substance it secretes, which is mainly used to treat burns from sun exposure topically. This topical use was known even during Roman and Greek times when the gel was used to treat wounds on the battlefield. There are a variety of medicinal purposes for the gel and liquid when ingested as well, mostly towards digestive issues. The aloe plant is primarily found in tropical environments, such as parts of South Africa, the Mediterranean, and South America. The plant grows well in a simple vase with some stones and clean water. Keeping it near a window with a bit of shade is ideal, as too much sunlight will negatively affect it.
No Soil No Problem
From the minimalistic design of the lucky bamboo to the more delicate clinging beauty of the Tillandsias plant, there are a multitude of plants in existence that can survive without the use of soil. With the advent of hydroponics, that capacity has expanded even more. For those looking
to start a beautiful indoor garden without having to worry about soil usage, the options are limitless. Keep your eyes open, and you will find a myriad of ways to turn your home into a green paradise.
