Growing & Care Tips

 MOUNTING

Do not plant airplants in soil of any kind! Mounting possibilities are endless!

Driftwood, tree limbs, cork, clay pottery, rocks, stones and more.  Many look nice with no mounting at all. Make sure the media you select does not hold water.  If a hole is drilled in wood, make sure it goes all the way through wood for quick drainage. Several different adhesives are used for securing the plant onto the mount.  For example:  Liquid Nails, Hot Glue, Goop, E6000.  We recommend E6000!

Use a small amount of adhesive near base of the plant, but not on the bottom.  Avoid covering the area where the roots from.  Then using a soft coated wire such as floral wire, tie the plant securely until the adhesive sets.  With E6000 it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on size and weight of the plant.

 

If you do not wish to use adhesives, plants can be wired without glue. The plant will eventually attach roots which will anchor it to the mount. If the plant has a root system large enough, a heavy staple gun can be used to staple the roots directly to the mount without injury to the Tillandsia.

LIGHT

Bright light or filtered light is recommended. No direct sun

South, East or West window would be best.

If these light conditions are not possible, a broad spectrum fluorescent light will provide short term light requirements.

 

OUTDOORS

Air plants do exceptionally well in outdoor environments.

A backyard tree, screened porch or pool patio would be the most likely areas to find the bright filtered-light conditions Tillandsia love.

Early morning or later afternoon sun should be fine under more humid conditions. In hotter, dryer conditions, more shade and water should be provided.

 

WATER

2-4 times a week indoors give your plant a misting with a plant mister to saturate.

Allow to dry between watering.

If your leaves start to curl or roll, it could be an indication of dehydration.

Do not let your Tillandsia sit in pooled water, as it will cause the roots to rot.

 

FERTILIZATION

Not absolutely necessary to survival, but will increase the growth and vigor of your plants and their blooms. Can fertilize about once a month, using good quality liquid or water soluble fertilizer with a formulation low in copper. 10-5-5 plant food works best. Dilute the suggested dosage to ¼ strength.

 

 

TEMPERATURE

Very tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, most species can withstand near freezing.  Although preferring temperatures in the seventies (Fahrenheit), with increased water, air circulation and shade, they can do quite well in temperatures well into the nineties.