How to Grow Tillandsia
Tillandsia ionantha
Tillandsia (air plants) are soilless epiphytes that absorb moisture and nutrients through specialised leaf scales called trichomes. They need no pot or compost. Mist 2-3 times a week or soak in room-temperature water for 20-30 minutes weekly, then shake off excess and let dry upside down within 4 hours to prevent rot. Provide bright indirect light and good air circulation. They bloom once in their lifetime, then produce offsets (pups) before gradually declining.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Mist with a diluted bromeliad or orchid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer. Do not feed in winter.
Watch For
- Root rot from sitting in water
- Scale insects
- Brown leaf tips from dry air
- Mealybug in leaf bases
Care Requirements
Light
Bright indirect light
Needs bright filtered light. Avoid direct midday sun which dries and burns leaves. Morning or late afternoon sun is fine.
Watering
Mist 2-3 times weekly or soak weekly
Mist thoroughly 2-3 times per week, or soak in room-temperature water for 20-30 minutes weekly. Shake off excess and dry within 4 hours to prevent rot.
Fertilizing
Monthly mist feed, spring and summer
Mist with diluted bromeliad or orchid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer only. Do not feed in winter.
