Care Guide: Tillandsia / Air Plants
Tillandsia, also known as “air plants,” are a wonderfully weird part of the Bromeliad family. Mainly endemic to Central and South America, there are over 550 species of Tillandsia (plus many hybrids); there are even 16 species native to Florida and the American South, including the iconic draping Spanish moss (T. usneoides). Here in the Pacific Northwest, these unusual plants can be kept indoors as an interesting and unique specimen in your houseplant collection!
Tillandsias are epiphytic and take all their water and nutrients through the leaves – little to nothing is absorbed by the root system, which acts as a set of wire-like anchors to hold onto trees and rocks in their natural environment. Since the root system is not important to the plant, this can be pruned without harm to make your plant easier to mount on a wire frame or as a kokedama.
Tillandsia have a life cycle where a single plant grows to maturity and blooms just once in its lifetime. Before, during, or after blooming (depending on the species), your plant will start producing young “pups” – most plants will produce between 2 - 8 pups. Within a year, these pups will mature, bloom, and produce more pups.
Since there are so many different varieties of air plants, each species’ flowers will emerge at different times of year and can last from several days to many months. Tillandsia species can be xeric (adapted to a dry habitat and only requiring an occasional misting of water) or mesic (adapted to a more humid climate and will appreciate a good soak at watering time). It’s worth doing some research on the specific varieties of air plants in your care to make sure you understand the care needs of a happy plant.
General Info
- Tillandsias DO have to be watered – they live ‘in’ air, not ‘on’ air
- Tillandsias are NOT toxic to animals (your pets will survive the experience, but your plant might not)
- It’s OK to trim away brown, bent, or damaged leaves (this will not hurt the plant)
- Tillandsias are NOT parasitic and do not harm the host tree
- Tillandsias will thrive in bright but indirect sunlight
- When pups reach one-third the size of the original plant, you can remove them to add to your air plant collection, gift to a friend, or exchange at a Plant Swap!
Main Reasons Tillandsias Die
- They did not get enough light (they were more than 10 feet from a bright window)
- They were placed in DIRECT SUN (windowsills are generally too exposed unless they are shaded or facing north)
- They were not watered thoroughly and frequently (most species need more than just misting; an occasional soak will help the leaves absorb enough water)
- They received too much water (bulby and fleshy Tillandsias can rot! Water less frequently and drain them thoroughly upside down)
- Tillandsias growing outdoors need more watering than indoor Tillandsias, as the sun and wind dry them out more quickly
Have fun with your new air plant and make sure to check back regularly at Cornell Farm for new and exciting varieties of these exotic plants!
