Add a botanical flair to your Christmas tree this year by decorating with air plants (Tillandsia spp.), gilded palmetto fronds, and rosettes made from palmetto leaves.
Decorate a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree with air plants, palm fronds, and palm rosettes.
Amy Dabbs, ©2022, Clemson University
Air plants are epiphytes in the bromeliad family and can be ordered online or purchased from a local nursery that sells tropical plants. They are easy to care for and will add a tropical vibe to your tree. First, soak the air plants for 20 to 30 minutes before placing them in tree branches or glass terrarium balls. Then, mist the plants with water every 10 to 14 days while they are displayed on the tree. After the holidays, the air plants can be used as houseplants. For more information on air plant care, see HGIC 1515, Air Plants.
Before placing the air plants on the tree, soak them for 20 to 30 minutes.
Amy Dabbs, ©2022, Clemson University
Display the air plants in glass terrarium balls for easier hanging on the tree.
Amy Dabbs, ©2022, Clemson University
Trim palmetto fonds to create a fan and spray with gold paint for a splash of gilded color. You can purchase rosettes made from palmetto leaves in many South Carolina low-country towns or cities, especially Charleston.
Trim the leaves on a palmetto frond to create a fan and spray with gold paint for a splash of gilded color.
Amy Dabbs, ©2022, Clemson University
Rosettes fashioned from palmetto fonds add textural interest to the Christmas tree.
Amy Dabbs, ©2022, Clemson University
Add your favorite Christmas ornaments and lights to compliment the air plants, palm fronds, and palm rosettes. Your Christmas tree will be one-of-a-kind.
Christmas ornaments will add additional color and will complement the air plants.
Amy Dabbs, ©2022, Clemson University
Air plants and palmetto rosettes add a textural interest.
Amy Dabbs, ©2022, Clemson University
