Description
About the Tonna tessellata shell
The Tonna tessellata shell is a tun shell, Tonna tessellata, and its great virtue is the opening. The aperture is far larger than most shells of the same size, so it takes a plant that other shells cannot. Rows of small brown spots on a cream ground give it a neat, checkered look.
We sell it in three sizes: 2.5 to 3 inches, 3 to 5 inches, and 4 to 5 inches. Tun shells are thin and light for their size, so even the large one hangs easily.
Because the opening is so wide, this shell works with most small and medium Tillandsias. That makes it the most flexible shell in our range.
Each shell is natural, so expect some variation in the spotting and in the exact size within each grade.
For a shop, the Tonna is the easy shell to plant. Staff can set almost any small plant into it without forcing, and then hang it by a line. As a result, it is the shell we reach for first when we build hanging displays.
Using the Tonna tessellata shell with air plants
Set the plant into the wide aperture with the base inside the lip. Most plants sit by friction. Then, if the shell will hang, add a dab of E-6000 Tillandsia Glue. We like to drill a small hole in the top and hang the shell with fishing line. Alternatively, glue a magnet to the back for a fridge or metal board, or set the shell in a Seashell Tillandsia Hanger. The thin shell dries fast, so mist the plant in place. Lift it out every couple of weeks for a full soak, and let it dry before it returns.
- Fits: Small and medium plants, for example ionantha, bulbosa, caput-medusae, stricta or small harrisii.
- Mounting: Friction fit, then glue for hanging pieces.
- 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, or set on a shelf.
- Care of the shell: Thin and light, so drill gently and pack well.
Browse more Air Plant Displays, pick plants from our Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
