Description
About the white sea urchin shell
The white sea urchin shell with subtle purple is the cleaned test of a sea urchin, and it is the classic natural holder for an air plant. Each one is a hollow dome with an opening at the base and a smaller hole at the top. The colour runs from near white to a soft violet, so no two match exactly.
We sell them singly in three sizes: small, medium and large. Size sets the plant it will take. For example, a small urchin suits an ionantha, while a large one holds a medium caput-medusae with room to spare.
Because these are natural shells, expect small differences in shape, colour and the size of the opening. That variation is part of the appeal, and customers rarely mind.
Shells ship in the same box as your plants. Large quantities may add a little to the shipping cost, and in that case we bill the difference separately.
For a shop, the urchin is the fastest sale on the display shelf. Drop a plant into the shell, and then hang it or set it on a table. Customers understand it instantly, so it needs no explanation.
Using the white sea urchin shell with air plants
Set the plant through the base opening so the leaves fan out like the urchin’s spines. Most plants stay put by friction alone. However, a dab of E-6000 Tillandsia Glue will hold a small plant if the shell will hang. To hang it, run fishing line or Tillandsia Wire through the top hole, or set the shell in one of our Seashell Tillandsia Hanger nets. Lift the plant out to soak it, and then let it dry before it goes back. The shell itself can get wet without harm, so misting in place is fine too.
- Fits: One plant per shell, for example ionantha, bulbosa, caput-medusae or a small stricta.
- Mounting: Friction fit, or glue for hanging pieces.
- Watering: Mist in place, or lift the plant out to soak.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer in the soak.
- Placement: Hang in a window, or set on a shelf in bright indirect light.
- Care of the shell: Rinse if it gets dusty. It is fragile, so pack with care.
Browse more Air Plant Displays, pick plants from our Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
