Description
About hardwood rootstock
Hardwood rootstock is the root ball of a hardwood tree, cleaned and dried. These root balls are a fantastic way to display Tillandsias, because the wood is extremely hard and resists rot for many years.
We sell three sizes. Smalls run about 6 to 8 inches, mediums about 10 inches with some roots attached, and larges about 12 inches. We also grade by bulk and girth, so there is a considerable difference between the grades even when lengths look similar.
Every piece is different, beautiful and unique, so please do not expect consistency. It is a natural product, and that variation is why each finished display is one of a kind.
Shipping note: checkout does not include shipping for this wood, because it costs more than the website calculates. Instead, it ships by UPS Ground, and we email a separate invoice for the difference before the order leaves. For an exact quote, email us your address and quantity.
For a shop, a rootstock with plants set among the roots is a table sculpture. The dense wood takes wire and glue well, and it also sits flat without a stand. In addition, you can re-plant it for years as pieces sell.
Using hardwood rootstock with air plants
Set plants into the crooks between the roots, where the root ball offers a natural pocket. Then fix them with Tillandsia Wire so you can lift them for soaking. The wood is dense and dry, so it holds no water against the plant and dries quickly after misting. Mist the whole piece weekly, or unwire plants for a full soak every couple of weeks. A large rootstock is heavy and stable on a table, while a small one hangs from a hook by a wire loop. Finally, choose plants of different sizes for a natural look. For example, put one large silver plant at the top and smaller ones among the roots.
- Fits: Three to six plants on a medium, for example xerographica, harrisii, caput-medusae, ionantha and stricta.
- Mounting: Wire into the root crooks, or glue small plants.
- Watering: Mist in place weekly, then unwire for a full soak every two weeks.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer in the soak.
- Placement: Table display in bright indirect light.
- Care of the wood: Keep it out of standing water, and it lasts for years.
Browse more Air Plant Displays, pick plants from our Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
