After seeing Air Plants (Tillandsia) in Florida in their native habitat, we were inspired to discuss care for the plants in a home or office environment.
Stricta
Light Requirements
One common misconception is that tillandsias do not need much
light. While they may able to survive in lower lighting, by no means
will they flourish. Ideal conditions would be bright indirect lighting
(within 4ft from a bright window), or better yet, with direct light for
1-3 hours per day. However, too much light will cause burning of the
leaves, so they should not be in direct light for more than 3 hours a
day.
light. While they may able to survive in lower lighting, by no means
will they flourish. Ideal conditions would be bright indirect lighting
(within 4ft from a bright window), or better yet, with direct light for
1-3 hours per day. However, too much light will cause burning of the
leaves, so they should not be in direct light for more than 3 hours a
day.
If tillandsias are in lower lighting conditions, you will
tend to see discoloration of the leaves and/or spotting. Eventually, the
tillandsias will lose their ability to take up water and do
photosynthesis and will die.
tend to see discoloration of the leaves and/or spotting. Eventually, the
tillandsias will lose their ability to take up water and do
photosynthesis and will die.
Ionantha
Watering Requirements
There are 3 common ways of watering tillandsias – Misting,
Dunking, and Soaking. All three methods are effective, however, the
frequency and duration of the watering is a function of the technique.
Dunking, and Soaking. All three methods are effective, however, the
frequency and duration of the watering is a function of the technique.
Misting – Since a very little amount of
water is administered with each watering, misting is required daily in
order to provide sufficient water for a tillandsia in medium to bright
lighting conditions. With misting a large percentage of the water
evaporates and does not get absorbed, which is why it must be done daily
to be effective. It is also important to mist all sides of the
tillandsias (bottom of leaves, especially).
water is administered with each watering, misting is required daily in
order to provide sufficient water for a tillandsia in medium to bright
lighting conditions. With misting a large percentage of the water
evaporates and does not get absorbed, which is why it must be done daily
to be effective. It is also important to mist all sides of the
tillandsias (bottom of leaves, especially).
Dunking – This is the most common method of
watering. Essentially, the tillandsias are held under a stream of water
for 10 or so seconds. It should be done 2-4 times per week to be
effective.
watering. Essentially, the tillandsias are held under a stream of water
for 10 or so seconds. It should be done 2-4 times per week to be
effective.
Soaking – This is the best method in our
opinion as it the deepest watering. During soaking the tillandsias is
left to sit in a bucket or bowl of water for 1-2 hours ideally. It can
be done weekly because it is so comprehensive.
opinion as it the deepest watering. During soaking the tillandsias is
left to sit in a bucket or bowl of water for 1-2 hours ideally. It can
be done weekly because it is so comprehensive.
If a tillandsia is not watered sufficiently, you will see
browning or crispy leaf edges and eventually the tillandsias leaves will
curl up and inward.
browning or crispy leaf edges and eventually the tillandsias leaves will
curl up and inward.
Harrisii
Temperature Requirements
Tillandsias are fairly hearty and can take a range of
temperatures. However, while tillandsias might survive a frost, it is
wise not to put them outside when temperatures drop below 40F, or above
100F. If they are exposed to low temperatures, make sure that there is
no sitting water in the base of the tillandsias leaves. Similarly, if
exposed to elevated temperatures, make sure they are watered thoroughly
and regularly.
temperatures. However, while tillandsias might survive a frost, it is
wise not to put them outside when temperatures drop below 40F, or above
100F. If they are exposed to low temperatures, make sure that there is
no sitting water in the base of the tillandsias leaves. Similarly, if
exposed to elevated temperatures, make sure they are watered thoroughly
and regularly.
Caput Medusae
Fertilizing
In nature tillandsias absorb nutrients from plants and
animals in their environment like all plants. To replicate that
tillandsias should be fertilized monthy to once every 3 months. The best
fertilizers for tillandsias have an even amount of the Nitrogen,
Phosphorous and Potassium (N-P-P). If anything, a little higher level of
Nitrogen is best, but not needed. Make sure that whatever fertilizer
you use is water soluble.
animals in their environment like all plants. To replicate that
tillandsias should be fertilized monthy to once every 3 months. The best
fertilizers for tillandsias have an even amount of the Nitrogen,
Phosphorous and Potassium (N-P-P). If anything, a little higher level of
Nitrogen is best, but not needed. Make sure that whatever fertilizer
you use is water soluble.
Without regular fertilizing, tillandsias tend to decline or fade over time.
Xerographica
Pests
The only pest that attacks tillandsias is mealy bug, and it
is not very common. If you do find mealy bugs on your tillandsias,
submerge them in water for an hour or two to flush them out.
is not very common. If you do find mealy bugs on your tillandsias,
submerge them in water for an hour or two to flush them out.
Fungus or Rot
In moist
environments with low temperatures and low air flow, there is always
the possibility of fungus or rot conditions coming into play.
Eventually, the tillandsia will fall apart or turn to mush if left
unchecked.
environments with low temperatures and low air flow, there is always
the possibility of fungus or rot conditions coming into play.
Eventually, the tillandsia will fall apart or turn to mush if left
unchecked.
The best way to avoid this is to place your
tillandsias in locations where there is good light and good airflow.
Also, make sure that there is no water in the cup or at the base of the
leaves 24 hours after watering.
tillandsias in locations where there is good light and good airflow.
Also, make sure that there is no water in the cup or at the base of the
leaves 24 hours after watering.
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