Tillandsia xerographica

Tillandsia xerographica Care

Tillandsia xerographica

Other names: Giant Tillandsia

What is the plant

Tillandsia xerographica is a good idea to add to your collection an exotic plant that doesn't need soil or pots at all.

This plant is native to Central America, including Southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The epiphyte boasts wide silvery gray leaves extending from a tight rosette. Moreover, its leaves may achieve a spread of 3 feet (1 m) or more. Despite its exotic nature, Tillandsia Xerographica is easy to care for. You can decorate your interior with it or keep a plant in a terrarium.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

16°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

9a - 12b

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Too much moisture can have a negative effect on this plant, as well as its complete absence. Since Tillandsia grows without soil, instead of watering, submerge the plant entirely in water for 15 minutes. This ritual should be performed once a month in warm seasons.
Pruning
Tillandsia xerographica does not require specific pruning to stimulate growth. However, remember to remove dead leaves in time, so the plant does not waste energy on them.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing a healthy plant is unnecessary because it can generate nutrients from the air. However, if your Tillandsia looks weak, you can add liquid fertilizer when watering or spray it on.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
The Tillandsia likes direct sunlight, so place it on a south-facing windowsill where it can get plenty of sunlight. This plant can grow with less light, but its leaves will be less bright.
Soil
According to its identification, it's an air plant, so Tillandsia xerographica does not need soil at all. Instead, it gets all its nutrients from air or fertilizers.
Propagation
You can propagate your plant using seeds or pups. The first option takes time. When choosing the second option, pay attention to the pups, which usually grow near the base. You can easily separate them and raise them as separate plants.

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Temperature
This air plant prefers warm and dry conditions, so consider this when choosing a place to grow it. The ideal temperature for this plant is 60-80°F (16-27°C), but it can withstand colder temperatures in winter.
Container
This air plant does not need a pot or container because it grows without soil. However, you can choose a stylish wood or metal stand for it. Otherwise, you can place the plant on any surface you want, but make sure there is enough light.
Fun fact
Tillandsia xerographica is one of the largest air plants, sometimes called the king of air plants.