Description
About the Alfonso sea urchin
The Alfonso sea urchin is a sea urchin test with a strongly patterned surface of raised knobs in neat radiating rows. The pattern makes it the showiest of our urchins, and it is the one we reach for in sea-creature designs.
We sell it in three sizes. Small is about 2 to 2.5 inches wide, medium is 3 inches and up, and large is about 4 inches. Sizes are approximate, because these are natural shells.
Because the shell is round, it hangs better than it stands. Fishing line through the top hole turns it into a hanging ornament with a plant spilling from the base.
Urchins are light and ship with your plants, so they add nothing to the cost of a normal order.
For a shop, the Alfonso is the urchin for a window. A plant with wild leaves in a patterned urchin looks like a sea creature, and a cluster of them at different heights sells as a set. For example, we pair it with caput-medusae for the jellyfish look.
Using the Alfonso sea urchin with air plants
Push the base of the plant through the opening at the bottom of the shell so the leaves hang below. Then run fishing line or Tillandsia Wire through the hole at the top and hang it. A dab of E-6000 Tillandsia Glue keeps the plant from dropping out, and it matters more with heavier plants. Mist in place, since the shell drains through the base. Lift the plant out every couple of weeks for a full soak, and let it dry before it returns. Hang it in bright indirect light near a window.
- Fits: One plant, for example caput-medusae, bulbosa Belize, medium juncea, medium brachycaulos or capitata peach.
- Mounting: Push through the base, then glue.
- Watering: Mist in place, or lift out to soak.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer in the soak.
- Placement: Hang in bright indirect light.
- Care of the shell: Fragile, so pack it with care.
Browse more Air Plant Displays, pick plants from our Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
