Some years ago my mother was given six airplants, Latin name Tillandsia Ionantha – these are small epiphytic plants native to central and south America that do not have roots and draw moisture and nutrients directly from the environment. They only need to be misted every few days and they otherwise look after themselves. When my mother was looking after them they never flowered for some reason. They normally look like this: 2-3 inches across, with very subtly attractive green and silver-grey foliage. They are secured to some driftwood using wire ties, just to give them a surface to sit on. I always thought they were pretty but somewhat mundane.
After my mother passed away I took over the garden, having apprenticed under her for many years. This past couple of weeks the largest of the airplants started to develop a central crown of red leaves and then a beautiful flower! This flower is just a masterclass in beauty and delicate detail, from the subtle red gradation of the leaves to the deep purple of the slender petals accompanied by the vibrant yellow and white of the stamens and pistils. All done without any sort of training or direction, but silently instructed by the hand of the Lord God Almighty. Truly his works are great and marvelous to behold.
I’m not sure why this plant has decided to flower now, but I take it as a sign that it is pleased with the new management.
