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Tillandsia Care Guide
Tillandsia are plants like no other. They don't need soil, water and nutrients through their leaves. Plus, in the wild, they can grow perfectly well hanging onto the bark of trees.
Also known as an ‘air plant,’ they say it's one of the easiest plants to grow. Though, you should spare some time to learn about this plant. This guide will answer your questions on how to care for Tillandsia.
How to Care for Tillandsia
People might call it an air plant, but Tillandsia requires more than just fresh air. They need special care and attention if you want them to live a healthy life. Take care of your Tillandsia properly, and it can live for several years and provide you with “pups” for even more years of enjoyment.
How Much Water Does a Tillandsia Need?
If you keep your air plant indoors, you only need to water it once a week. If you use air conditioners or heaters in your home, you might need to water your Tillandsia more often. You can also mist your plants regularly.
How to Water Your Tillandsia
Place the plant face down in a bowl of water and let it soak for 10–20 minutes. When you remove it, make sure you shake it to disperse any excess water. If you allow your plant to sit in water, it can cause rot or kill the plant.
Water your plants in the morning and then allow them to sit out of their containers to dry. Alternatively, dunk the plants several times in water and then shake off any excess. Again, you need to allow your plant to air dry.
What is the Best Water for Your Tillandsia?
Ideally, use rainwater or water from a pond or aquarium. Spring or bottled water is also okay to use. As a last resort, opt for water from a tap but allow it to stand for several hours so any chemicals in it can dissipate. Never use distilled or artificially-softened water.
How Much Light Does a Tillandsia Need?
Your Tillandsia needs light to survive, so if you’re keeping it indoors, make sure it’s near an adequate light source. Place it near a window or an artificial light source, but don’t allow it to get too much direct sun.
Artificial light should be fluorescent, and your plant placed no farther than 36 inches from the light source. Set the amount of light with a timer, and aim for 12 hours per day.
Tillandsias kept outside prefer a shaded area that doesn’t receive full sun.
Does a Tillandsia Need Any Nutrients?
You can use a bromeliad fertilizer once every fortnight, as this will help your plant to bloom and reproduce. You can use other water-soluble fertilizers but dilute them to one-quarter strength.
If you use pond or aquarium water, there’s no need to fertilize because all the necessary nutrients are in the water.
The Life Cycle of a Tillandsia
Tillandsia grow to maturity, bloom, and then die. Before, during, or shortly after blooming, the air plant produces offsets, known as pups. It’s typical for them to produce between two and eight pups. (1)
Tillandsia only bloom once in their lifetime, but each pup means Tillandsia get another chance to grow and bloom.
The flowers produced can last from just one day through to several months, depending on the type. Different species bloom at different times of the year, but the blooms can also depend on the plant’s environment and care.
Removing Pups From the Mother
Allow the pups to grow to at least one-third or one-half the size of the mother plant. When the pups are ready, remove them by gently twisting towards the ground. It should come away easily. If it doesn’t, you must remove the pup by cutting downward.
This isn’t the end for the mother plant, as she may continue producing pups for several years.
Where Can You Grow a Tillandsia?
You can grow it pretty much anywhere. — in a seashell, on coral, in a glass bowl, pottery, ceramic, or on rocks. You can also attach it to wood, as long as the wood hasn’t been pressure treated.
When you’re deciding where to grow it, remember you have to water it, and it has to get enough light.
The best type of container is one that doesn’t hold water. For your Tillandsia to be healthy, it needs to dry out. If you want to keep it in a glass bowl, you can get around the issue by emptying any excess water when you’ve finished watering the plant.
Attaching Your Air Plant
There are a variety of ways you can attach your Tillandsia to a mounting or display. Glue, fishing line, twist ties, and wire are all suitable. If you use glue, choose one that’s waterproof, or use hot glue. If so, allow the hot glue to cool for a few seconds before applying it.
You can use staples or nails, but only if the plant has a woody stolen or sufficient roots. But don't use superglue or copper wire since both will kill the plant. Stapling your plant using its fleshy parts will kill it.
What to Do If You Receive Your Tillandsia in the Mail
If you purchase your plant online, here are some tips when you receive it:
Remove it from the packaging immediately.
Soak for 30 minutes to one hour, submerged upside down.
Shake to remove excess water.
Place in a bright light and allow it to dry.
Don't fertilize your Tillandsia for around three weeks.
What Are Tillandsias?
Tillandsia are a member of the bromeliad family, and in the Tillandsia genus, there are hundreds of different species. This plant has extremely small roots that it uses to attach itself to branches of trees and shrubs. It doesn't need to grow in the ground, and so it earned the name, 'air plant.’ (2)(3)
Tillandsias don't steal nutrients from their host, which means they aren’t considered a parasite. Instead, it uses the host as an anchor and a place to live.
The leaves come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some are large with broad leaves, while others have leaves as thin as a thread.
Tillandsias have found their way into many peoples' homes around the world. But, the genus is native to the Southern US, Mexico, and Central and South America. They can tolerate a wide range of climates, but they don't suffer with temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit — they prefer warm and humid conditions.
Different Types of Air Plant
Colors range from pastel green to fiery reds and pinks. The Tillandsia genus is divided into two categories:
Xeric: The characteristics of this category are silver and green-muted tones and a fuzzy texture.
Mesic: The texture of these is much smoother with brighter colors.
With more than 500 types to choose from, there’s something for everyone. However, there are five more common ones. (4)
Tillandsia cyanea (Pink Quill): Produces a distinct pink feather-like flower and is one of the few Tillandsias that can grow in soil.
Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish Moss): Has a long stringy-like texture. In its natural environment, it would grow draping itself over trees.
Tillandsia bulbosa: With its large bulbous roots and lanky leaves, this Tillandsia looks very unusual. It grows well in low-light conditions. However, you have to allow it to dry properly after watering; otherwise, the roots rot.
Tillandsia aeranthos bergeri: Produces gorgeous pink and purple flowers every spring and can grow to between 6 and 9 inches tall.
Tillandsia ionantha (Fuego): This air plant grows no bigger than 2 inches tall, but makes up for this with vibrant colors.
Possible Problems With a Tillandsia
From time to time, you may experience a few problems with your Tillandsia. For example, it's very common to get a few brown leaves and dry tips. These are a sure sign your Tilly needs more moisture. Another sign is leaves curving in excessively or turning grayer or yellowish.
You can tackle problems caused by drying with some grooming. Trim any dry leaves with scissors or peel them off by hand. After its grooming, increase your watering schedule or increase the humidity with either a water tray or humidifier.
Sunburn is also a risk if your air plant is near a window. Don't expose it to direct sunlight for more than 20 minutes at a time. Brown spots on the leaves are a sign that your Tillandsia is getting too much direct sunlight.
Air Plants Are an Attractive Addition to Your Home
Tillandsias are fun and trendy plants to grow in your home. They might not need any soil to grow in, but they still require the right care and attention. The plant absorbs water and nutrients through the leaves, and you only need to soak your air plant in water once a week.
The perfect place to have one is in the bathroom or kitchen, as long as there’s adequate light and humidity.
Follow the tips we’ve shared, and your Tillandsias will stay healthy for many years and provide new pups to add to your collection.