Leatherleaf airplant facts for kids

The Tillandsia variabilis, also known as the leatherleaf airplant, is a fascinating type of bromeliad. It belongs to the Tillandsia group, which are often called "airplants" because of how they grow. This cool plant is found naturally in many places. You can find it in Bolivia, Costa Rica, and parts of Mexico. It also grows in Venezuela, Colombia, the West Indies, and even southern Florida.

What is the Leatherleaf Airplant?

The leatherleaf airplant is a special kind of plant called an epiphyte. This means it grows on other plants, like trees, but it doesn't take food from them. Instead, it gets all its water and nutrients from the air and rain. It uses its roots to hold onto tree branches in moist forests.

How Does it Look?

This airplant can grow quite long, up to about 40 centimeters (16 inches). This measurement includes its flower stalk, which is called an inflorescence. Usually, you'll find these plants growing alone. But sometimes, they can form small groups or clumps.

Its leaves are shaped like narrow triangles. They are soft and can break easily. These leaves can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long.

Flowers and Colors

The flower stalk of the leatherleaf airplant is usually simple. Sometimes, it might have two or three branches. The plant has special leaves called bracts. These bracts can be red, green, or purple. They are less than 1 centimeter wide and cover the main stem of the flower stalk.

The flowers themselves are a beautiful lavender or blue color. They can grow up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) long. These colorful flowers add a splash of beauty to the forests where the airplant lives.