Tillandsia General Care


Tillandsias an air plants, in the Bromeliad family (like a Pineapple and Spanish Moss).
They are found in Latin America and grow on rocks and trees without soil in the wild.
Tillandsia tolerating a wider range of growing conditions than many other plant and adapt easily.

All Tillandsias will produce flowers and then off-shoots (pups) from the base of the plant.


LIGHT
Should be bright but filtered, not direct sunlight in the summer months.
They do love direct light in the cooler months of November to March.
You can grow your Tillandsia in front of a bright window.
Artificial lights are great for Tillandsias also.
Use a full spectrum fluorescent bulb like a "Gro-Lux" bulb about 6-12" above the plant.
Put on a timer for about 12 hours a day.
The greener and softer varieties like a little more water and shade.

WATER
Although Tillandsias are called "Air Plants" they do need water to survive.
Thoroughly wet your Tillandsia 2-3 times per week and 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 watering's 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.
The greener and softer varieties like a little more water and shade.

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TEMPERATURE
Optimum temperature range for Tillandsias is 45 - 95 degrees F.
They must be brought into protection from any freeze, but a light frost will not usually damage them.


FERTILIZE
Fertilize monthly from Spring to Fall.
Use at 1/4 strength. Too much fertilizer can burn your Tillandsia.
Use this special Bromeliad Tillandsia Fertilizer from our online store.


REPRODUCTION
Usually from off-shoots, called pups, from the base of the plant.
They can be left attached to form a cluster or separated once the pup reaches about one half the size of the mother plant.
Also can be grown from seed, but may take up to 7 years to bloom.

MISC INFO
Bloom stalks - Once your tillandsia has finished blooming and the bloom stalk(spike) turns brown, you can simply cut off with scissors.

Click to view Tillandsia Photos in my online store.

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To contact me Steverd@steverd.com