Tillandsia Air Plant

Tillandsia Air Plant Care

Tillandsia fasciculata

What is the plant

Tillandsia is a genus of perennial herbaceous air plants. It means that they grow by attaching themselves to other plants. However, they are not parasitic and use other living organisms only for physical support. Some kinds of this plant don’t have roots at all and don’t require soil to grow.

Some representatives have a rigid stem, while others don't have one at all. Tillandsia can be classified as a terrestrial or epiphytic plant based on this. Tillandsias with no root system feed in an unusual way: they get all the needed nutrients from the atmosphere.

This plant's suspended variety has oblong, narrow leaves that are 10 in (25 cm) long and ⅓ in (1 cm) broad. The hue of the foliage can range from gray to green. Flat leaves with scales form the rosettes of green tillandsias. Some species have a smooth leaf plate that can reach 16 in (40 cm) in length. The vivid pink bracts of Tillandsia form a big spike-like inflorescence. In the wild, they are mostly found in the southern United States and Chile, but lately they have become increasingly popular as exotic houseplants.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 22°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
A tropical flower demands high humidity (60–70%) in the summer. Tillandsias should not be allowed to dry out. Pouring water into the leaf sockets is also advised. Once a week, bathe the plant for 10-20 mins, but make sure the moisture is not stored between the leaves afterwards.

The plant should be sprayed on a regular basis. Moisture should be avoided on the stipules in this case, as this will drastically shorten the flowering period. Representatives with no roots need to be soaked in water for 10-20 minutes once a week.
Pruning
This plant does not need special trimming. However, you can remove dry leaves or tips of leaves.
Fertilizer
In the spring and summer, fertilizer for bromeliads or orchids should be sprayed on the plant's leaves twice a month. Fertilizer should not contain boron or copper.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
The plant requires diffused lighting because it is native to the tropics. Direct sunlight and extreme heat injure Tillandsia. The area where the flower will be placed must be shaded.

The plant requires lighting throughout the winter. Emerald-leaved varieties demand a bigger amount of light, whereas silver-leaved varieties require partial shade.
Soil
Air plants don’t need soil and can be placed almost anywhere. However, natural bases will be the most suitable, for example, bark of a tree, a branch, or coconut fiber.
Propagation
Exotic plants can be propagated by seed or through division. Most flower gardeners prefer the second approach since seed propagation takes a long time and requires a lot of effort. After flowering, the plant will produce small pups. When they develop to have their own leaves, carefully cut them off from the parent plant.

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Temperature
For all kinds of tillandsia, the temperature regime is the same. Summer temperatures range between 68-83°F (20-28°C). In the summer, it is advised to keep the plant outdoors in a cool location. Tillandsia can endure temperatures as low as 65°F (18°C).
Container
Tillandsias are air plants which means they don’t have to be planted in a pot like usual houseplants. They can be put in many creative spaces, including other houseplants, special decorations, or florariums. There are several rules to remember: the air around the plant should circulate freely as epiphytes take all the nutrients from it. Don’t put air plants next to sphagnum moss, it may rot because of it.
Fun fact
Tillandsias are representatives of the Bromeliad family which makes them close relatives to pineapples.