Tillandsia: General Care

What is Tillandsia?

Tillandsia is a genus of epiphytic bromeliad known as ‘air plants’ because it is said that they can survive on air alone. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true, but there is some truth to it. Tillandsia do not have traditional root systems and instead absorb water from the trichome layer that surrounds them. They were named Tillandsia by Carl Linnaeus after the botanist and physicist Ellias Tillandz. They are Native to Central and South America.

Care:

While Tillandsia can technically survive on just air in their natural habitat, this relies on significant humidity and regular rainfall in tropical regions and on shifting desert sands in arid regions. Unfortunately, these conditions are difficult to mimic in the home, and care requirements have to compensate for this.

Watering: Tillandsia do not need much water at all. It is recommended to spray them every few days, ensuring to cover as much of the plant as possible. The plant absorbs water very quickly, so while it seems they are not wet for long, it will be more than enough to keep them happy. Alternatively, you can submerge them in water and allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes. This method needs to be done less frequently. Frequency of watering should be determined by how bright. Perhaps once every two weeks in brighter months and as little as once every 2 months in the winter. 

Potting: Tillandsia do not need to be potted at all! Some people keep them in little glass bottles, or prop them up on other plants or on pieces of furniture. Others mount them to features or just leave them on the shelf. All of these are fine, provided the spot receives enough light and is not at a difficult temperature.

Light: Certain types of Tillandsia can handle certain light conditions. They can generally be split into two groups: Desert air plants and tropical air plants. The former can handle the full sun of a windowsill, while the latter prefers a little less, and it is recommended they are kept in bright indirect light or in partial shade. Make sure to research where your air-plant is from before deciding where to put it.

Feeding: Special air plant foliar sprays can be purchased, which you spray onto the plant every few weeks during the growing season. Otherwise a small amount of standard plant food can be mixed into the water that they would normally receive every few waterings.

Pests: Tillandsia are fairly thrips resistant, and do not offer homes for fungus flies, however they are a tasty snack for Mealybugs, scale and spider mites. Make sure to check for the signs of each pest if you suspect something is wrong with your plant.

Things to look out for in Tillandsia:

Browning: If submerged in water, Tillandsia will typically go from a silvery colour to a deep green. If your plant goes brown, then it is likely experiencing water stress and requires watering more often. 

Pups: Tillandsia have a very structured life cycle, in which they grow, bloom once and then die. In the later stage of their life they will often push out one or more ‘pups’ which are smaller versions of themselves which grow and repeat the life cycle. If your plant is dying, but its pup is looking strong and healthy, it is likely at the later stage of its life. If this is the case, wait for the older plant to completely die, and then remove it by pinching or cutting and care for the new one!

Tillandsia species to check out:

Tillandsia usneoides

Tillandsia ionantha

Tillandsia kaput-medusae

Tillandisa harrisii

Tillandsia xerographica

Tilllandsia juncaea

Tillandsia argentea