I received this FYI email from Mary Cathron (Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Conservatory Gardener) the other day:

“…in the East Wing [of the Conservatory] in the boot of the Bismarkia [palm] is a Tillandsia bulbosa that is in bloom. The plant is very interesting with twisted, tubular leaves of green that have turned red around the flower which is reddish pink and purple. I read that the leaves turn red at the top of the plant to attract hummingbirds to pollinate it.”

Well, I wasn’t sure what a “boot” was, but this plant sounded interesting so I grabbed the camera and hiked up to the Conservatory.

Mary Cathron is one of those people who is just passionate about her job – her eyes practically shown as she held back leaves so I could photograph the Tillandsia.

She explained a “boot” is created when you cut off the leaf of a palm. It’s kind of like a little shelf and these Tillandsia or air plants can be tucked in and grow there.

Really? No dirt required?

It’s true – these plants survive by absorbing nutrients through its leaves – all they need is fresh air, good light and humidity.

You never know what little surprises you can find tucked away in that Conservatory. The perfect plant for those who do not like to get their hands dirty!

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

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