Tillandsias are attractive and fascinating members of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). Their native habitat is in the southern United States, Mexico and Central and South America. They are found growing on rocks and trees without soil. They receive all of their water and nutrients through the fuzzy gray scales on their leaves called Trichomes. These scales can be quite developed (fuzzy) or microscopic on others (green smooth leaved). Nutrients in nature are provided by dust, decaying leaves and insect matter. Their wire-like roots are void of roothairs and are used for anchoring only.
Tillandsias PDF