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The Tillandsia Genus
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Tillandsias, commonly called air plants, are unique and captivating plants that offer a different kind of horticultural experience. Unlike most plants, they often don't require soil to thrive, instead obtaining moisture and nutrients from the air around them through specialized scales on their leaves called trichomes. This soil-free nature makes them versatile and adaptable to various creative displays, from hanging arrangements to terrariums and even attaching to other plants or structures.
There are a few “mesic,” or wet-growing Tillandsias, but let’s talk about the “xeric” or dry growing ones…
Tillandscia 'El Rancho', T. capitata x xerographica, is
now T. riohondoensis
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Growth Habits:
• Epiphytes: Tillandsias are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants for support, but they are not parasitic.
• Unique Nutrient Absorption: They absorb water and nutrients directly from the air and rain through their trichomes.
• Diverse Appearance: Air plants come in a wide range of varieties with different leaf shapes, colors, and textures.
• Epiphytes: Tillandsias are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants for support, but they are not parasitic.
• Unique Nutrient Absorption: They absorb water and nutrients directly from the air and rain through their trichomes.
• Diverse Appearance: Air plants come in a wide range of varieties with different leaf shapes, colors, and textures.
Tillandsia ionantha
Key Considerations for Growing Tillandsias:
Light: They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, similar to their natural habitat under rainforest canopies. Some varieties with silvery or fuzzy leaves can tolerate more direct sun. East-facing windows are ideal, while west-facing windows with intense afternoon sun should be avoided.
Watering:
• Not just "air": While they don't grow in soil, air plants still need regular watering.
• After watering, ensure the plants dry completely within 4 hours to prevent rot, especially for varieties with bulbous bases. Good air circulation is crucial for drying.
• Signs of Thirst: Leaves will curl inwards, appear wrinkled, or lose color when they need water.
• Overwatering: Symptoms include mushy or brown leaves at the base of the plant.
• Water Quality: Typically on the mesic Tillandsias require filtered water or rainwater.
• Methods: You can water them by soaking or misting. Soaking, for 30-60 minutes, is recommended weekly, or more often in dry climates. Misting can be done 2-3 times a week, ensuring the whole plant is wet.
Temperature and Humidity: Tillandsias prefer warm temperatures and high humidity, ideal for their tropical origins. However, many species and hybrids grow perfectly well in San Diego with only for drip and the occasional squirt of the gardener’s hose.
It’s not recommended to put a Tilly in a artsy glass orb, and growing them long-term indoors will require more attention (watering/misting). Temperatures between 40-100°F depending on species, ideally 60’s-80’s. Most species will want you to bring them indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
Air Circulation: Adequate air circulation is essential for their health and drying after watering. Avoid completely enclosed containers like small glass globes.
Fertilizer: Fertilizing isn't essential for survival, but it promotes faster growth and blooming. Use a water-soluble bromeliad or orchid fertilizer (containing non-urea nitrogen) at a diluted strength (1/4 recommended rate) once or twice a month during the growing season.
Blooming and Propagation: Tillandsias typically bloom once in their lifetime, producing colorful flowers. After blooming, they produce "pups" or offsets, which can be separated and grown into new plants.
• Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. Reduce watering, ensure proper drying, and remove any affected parts.
• Dehydration: Leaves become wrinkled, rolled, or lose color. Increase watering frequency and/or misting.
• Sunburn: Brown, crispy spots on leaves from direct sunlight. Move to a location with bright, indirect light.
• Pests: Mealybugs and scale insects can infest bromeliads, but less so air plants. If you get them, remove them by spraying water on them or by spraying/dipping.
Light: They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, similar to their natural habitat under rainforest canopies. Some varieties with silvery or fuzzy leaves can tolerate more direct sun. East-facing windows are ideal, while west-facing windows with intense afternoon sun should be avoided.
Watering:
• Not just "air": While they don't grow in soil, air plants still need regular watering.
• After watering, ensure the plants dry completely within 4 hours to prevent rot, especially for varieties with bulbous bases. Good air circulation is crucial for drying.
• Signs of Thirst: Leaves will curl inwards, appear wrinkled, or lose color when they need water.
• Overwatering: Symptoms include mushy or brown leaves at the base of the plant.
• Water Quality: Typically on the mesic Tillandsias require filtered water or rainwater.
• Methods: You can water them by soaking or misting. Soaking, for 30-60 minutes, is recommended weekly, or more often in dry climates. Misting can be done 2-3 times a week, ensuring the whole plant is wet.
Temperature and Humidity: Tillandsias prefer warm temperatures and high humidity, ideal for their tropical origins. However, many species and hybrids grow perfectly well in San Diego with only for drip and the occasional squirt of the gardener’s hose.
It’s not recommended to put a Tilly in a artsy glass orb, and growing them long-term indoors will require more attention (watering/misting). Temperatures between 40-100°F depending on species, ideally 60’s-80’s. Most species will want you to bring them indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
Air Circulation: Adequate air circulation is essential for their health and drying after watering. Avoid completely enclosed containers like small glass globes.
Fertilizer: Fertilizing isn't essential for survival, but it promotes faster growth and blooming. Use a water-soluble bromeliad or orchid fertilizer (containing non-urea nitrogen) at a diluted strength (1/4 recommended rate) once or twice a month during the growing season.
Blooming and Propagation: Tillandsias typically bloom once in their lifetime, producing colorful flowers. After blooming, they produce "pups" or offsets, which can be separated and grown into new plants.
• Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. Reduce watering, ensure proper drying, and remove any affected parts.
• Dehydration: Leaves become wrinkled, rolled, or lose color. Increase watering frequency and/or misting.
• Sunburn: Brown, crispy spots on leaves from direct sunlight. Move to a location with bright, indirect light.
• Pests: Mealybugs and scale insects can infest bromeliads, but less so air plants. If you get them, remove them by spraying water on them or by spraying/dipping.
Tillandsia capitata 'Marron'
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Tillandsia velutina
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Recommendations:
By providing proper light, water, air circulation, and occasional fertilization, you can enjoy the unique beauty of these captivating air plants for years to come. Remember to observe your plants and adjust care based on their individual needs and the environment of your growing situation in San Diego – whether coastal or inland. Remember, suitable Tillandsias are often available through your local bromeliad society here in San Diego!
By providing proper light, water, air circulation, and occasional fertilization, you can enjoy the unique beauty of these captivating air plants for years to come. Remember to observe your plants and adjust care based on their individual needs and the environment of your growing situation in San Diego – whether coastal or inland. Remember, suitable Tillandsias are often available through your local bromeliad society here in San Diego!
Tillandsia reuteri, northern Peru > an example of a mesic species
