TILLANDSIA CARE:
(TI-LAND-ZEE-AH)
Tillandsia, Air Plants, are tropical Epiphytes, meaning that they naturally grow in the trees, under the canopy in tropical and subtropical regions. Filtered, bright light is best. Although some varieties grow very well in direct sun, it can also be too strong and quickly burn the leaves of most varieties. If introduced gradually, certain Tillandsia may be able to tolerate more direct sun, and it may bring out some amazing colors. Air plants can typically take more direct sun in the winter months, from November to March, as it’s not very strong, but during the summer months, indirect light is best to avoid leaf damage and keep your new Air Plants looking and feeling their best.
Being that Tillandsia are tropical and absorb the water and nutrients they require through their leaves, out of the air, it is important to keep your Air Plants hydrated. We shower all of our Tillandsias about twice a week, with good quality water. We recommend rain water, if possible, or bottled water, as tap water out of the faucet can be harmful with the chlorine and minerals. When watering, use a spray bottle and thoroughly water your Tillandsia to the point of water run-off. Do this once or twice a week, or more, if needed, in hotter, dryer months. Your Air Plants should be completely dry within 4-6 hours after spraying to avoid rot.
Tillandsia can live, and thrive, with just water, and no fertilizer. “Feeding” your Tillandsia, however, can help them grow, bloom and “pup” more vigorously. If you want to fertilize, you want to be careful. Because Air Plants do not have any soil to help disperse the fertilizer, you want to make sure it is very diluted before spraying it on to your plants. We recommend a Tillandsia fertilizer or even an Orchid fertilizer, diluted to 1/4th the recommended strength.
