How to Care for Air Plants

It is important to maintain Tillandsias properly The key factors are Light, Water, and Air Circulation

Indoor Care

Light

Lighting for Tillandsias should be bright but filtered (April – October). They should not be left in the direct sun in the summer months (this will cause the plant to become sunburned ). Tillandsias love direct sun (November – March). Tillandsias may be grown in the house directly in front of a window. Fresh moving air is advisable, but remember, the most important care need is bright filtered light.

BEWARE: Trees, overhangs and window tinting can rob your plants of needed light. Place plants no further away than 3 feet in front of a bright window.

Artificial Light

Full spectrum artificial light (fluorescent) is best. Plant should be no further than 36″ from the fluorescent tubes and can be as close as 6″. A four-tube 48″ fixture works well. Bulbs can be any full spectrum type Gro-Lux, Repta-Sun, Vita-Lite, etc. Light should be set with a timer, 12 hours per day.

Water

Thoroughly wet your Tillandsia 2-3 times per week; more often in a hot, dry environment; less often in a cool, humid one. Plants should be given enough light and air circulation to dry in no longer than 4 hours after watering. Spray misting is insufficient as the sole means of watering but may be beneficial between regular waterings in dry climates to increase the humidity.
If the plant is in a shell, be sure to empty the water out. Tillandsias will not survive in standing water.

Under-watering is evidenced by an exaggerating of the natural concave curve of each leaf.

Air Circulation

Following each watering, Tillandsias should be given enough light and air circulation to dry in 4 hours or less. Do not keep plants constantly wet or moist.

Temperature

Optimum temperature range for tillandsias is 50 – 90 degrees F.

Fertilizer

Use Bromeliad fertilizer (17-8-22) twice a month. It is GREAT for blooming and reproduction! Other water-soluble fertilizers can be used at 1/4 strength (Rapid Grow, Miracle-Grow, etc.) if Bromeliad fertilizer is not available.

Tillandsias in Vivariums and Other Animal Enclosures

Enclosures must have at least one side of screen mesh. Full spectrum fluorescent lighting is Ideal full spectrum incandescent lighting will be sufficient when care is taken to avoid placing heat producing bulbs too close to plants The higher the wattage, the more distance should be used to avoid burning or heat-damage to plants. Good air circulation and proper watering schedule must be maintained.

Mounting Tillandsias

Mount plants on almost anything, – Driftwood, manzanita, seashells, coral, lava rock, crystals using a non – water soluble glue such as E-6000 Adhesive. Set plants on the prospective mount. If you like the arrangement, proceed. Place adhesive on mount, and then place plants onto that area. Larger plants may be supported with fishing line until glue dries. Cover exposed adhesive area with sawdust or sand to camouflage.

Retail Display

Tillandsias are perfect impulse-buys. Display near the cash register. They appeal to bird and reptile owners, and specialty plant collectors, such as orchid and cactus growers.

Unmounted (Bareroot) Plants

Most of your sales can be bareroot plants! A full stock of unmounted plants enables customers to create their own arrangements. Remove any plant from your display that shows signs of neglect.

Outdoor Care

Light

Lighting for Tillandsias should be bright but filtered (April – October). Tillandsias love direct sun (November – March). They grow best in a greenhouse or a frost – protected, shaded patio. They also can be grown in the house directly in front of a window. Fresh moving air is advisable but remember the most important care need is bright filtered light.

Water

Thoroughly wet your Tillandsia 2-3 times per week; more often in a hot, dry environment; less often in a cool, humid one. Plants should be given enough light and air circulation to dry in no longer than 4 hours after watering. Spray misting is insufficient as the sole means of watering but may be beneficial between regular waterings in dry climates to increase the humidity. If the plant is in a shell, be sure to empty the water out. Tillandsias will not survive in standing water. An exaggerating of natural concave curve of each leaf is evidence of under-watering.

Temperature

Optimum temperature range for tillandsias kept outdoors is 50 – 90 degrees F.

Fertilizer

Upon Receiving Your Order

The most important factor in the success of your Tillandsia business is a thorough understanding of how to properly care for your plants. Many people think that they are just air plants and they take care of themselves, this could not be more wrong!!

When you receive your order, completely submerse the plants in water with a few drops of vitamin B or superthrive (these products can be found at any nursery) for approximately 10 minutes. Then place the plants in a well-ventilated area where they can dry in no longer than 4 hours. Light should be bright and filtered from April to November (no direct sun). November through March the plants can take direct sunlight (northern hemisphere). Do not fertilize your new plants for at least 3 weeks. Too much fertilizer and/or direct sunlight at the wrong time of the year will burn your plants.

Although we ship only healthy, high quality plants, it is important to remember that they are not perfect (nor is any living thing). Minor leaf imperfections are normal; leaves that have imperfections or are broken can be safely trimmed away with sissors. It is also normal for Tillandsia to lose the bottom leaves when acclimating to their new environment. These leaves can be trimmed off along with long roots if you desire.

If you have any further questions regarding proper care for your Tillandsia, please contact us: 559.683.7097 M-F 8am-2pm p.s.t.