Tillandsia – Commonly known as air plants, these botanical curiosities can be found in jungles, rain forests or deserts – from sea level to high mountain regions, and increasingly in homes and offices where their low-maintenance and intriguing shapes are hugely appealing. Although these are low care plants, that is not the same as no care at all. Provide your tillandsia with the light, water and air circulation they need, and they will thrive for you.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Tillandsia is a genus of around 650 species of evergreen, perennial flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae.
Tillandsia have naturally been established in diverse environments such as equatorial tropical rain forests, high elevation Andes mountains, rock dwelling (saxicolous) regions, and Louisiana swamps, such as Spanish moss (T. usneoides), a species that grows atop tree limbs. However, there are also species that are lithophytic (growing in or on rocks, though this can also stretch to living on roofs or even telephone wires). Its native range is Tropical & Subtropical America.
Green-leaved species of Tillandsia generally live in cool-to-humid climates, in areas of terrestrial shade or the lower levels of a forest. In contrast, almost all gray-leaved species live in precipitation-poor areas with high humidity. They prefer the full sun and can therefore be found in the upper floors of the woods, on rocks or (rarely) on the ground. Many of the gray species are epiphytes. Some species are more or less xeromorphic.
The genus Tillandsia was named by Carl Linnaeus after the Swedish physician and botanist Elias Tillandz (originally Tillander) (1640–1693). Some common types of Tillandsia include ball moss (T. recurvata) and Spanish moss (T. usneoides).
Tillandsia are perennial herbaceous plants which exhibit a multitude of physiological and morphological differences making this a diverse genus. Having native habitats that vary from being epiphytic and saxicolous, species have certain adaptations, such as root systems designed to anchor to other plants or substrates, and modified trichomes for water and nutrient intake. Some of the species, like the majority of Bromeliaceae, grow as funnel bromeliads, with a compressed stem axis. The leaves are then close together in rosettes, and cover the lower areas of the leaves, forming a funnel for collecting water.
These leaf rosettes, a common physical characteristic in Tillandsia species, collect nutrients and water. The flowers typically involve bright, vibrant colors, with blooms or inflorescences produced on a stalk or several stalks. The flower’s color varies greatly; red, yellow, purple and pink flowers exist in this genus, and multicolored flowers are known. The bright colors attract pollinators. An air plant’s foliage may also change color when it blooms, also attracting pollinators. The hermaphrodite flowers are threefold with double perianth. The three free sepals are symmetrical and pointed. The seeds have a “parachute” similar to the dandelion.
Common pollinators of this genus include moths, hummingbirds and, more recently recognized, bats.
Tillandsias, like other bromeliads, can multiply through pollination and seed formation. Since Tillandsia are not self-fertile, the pollen must come from another plant of the same species. Tillandsia, depending on the species, may take months or years to flower. After flowering, the plant forms offsets and dies.
Generally, the thinner-leaved varieties grow in rainy areas and the thick-leaved varieties in areas more subject to drought. Most species absorb moisture and nutrients through the leaves from rain, dew, dust, decaying leaves and insect matter, aided by structures called trichomes. Air plants are growing rapidly in popularity as a low maintenance household plant. Due to their minimal root system and other adaptations, they generally do not require frequent watering, no more than four times a week, allowing the plant to completely dry before watering again.
The amount of light required depends on the species; overall, air plants with silver dusting and stiff foliage will require more sunlight than air plants with softer foliage. They generally need a strong light. In summer outside, however, they prefer the light shade of a tree at the hottest hours. Plants are commonly seen mounted, placed in a terrarium, or simply placed in seashells as decorative pieces. For so-called “aerial” species (the majority of the common species in culture except Tillandsia cyanea), that is to say those whose roots are transformed into crampons without any power of absorption, watering is done by the leaves in the form of frequent sprays, or brief soaking of the plant in a container full of water. Non-calcareous water is recommended.
As of 2023 there are 34 cultivars of bromeliad registered by Bromeliad Society International, from T. Bacchus to T. Yabba.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
While air plants can be happy in a wide range of settings, they do need good lighting. Your tillandsia should receive bright, indirect sunlight or indoor lighting (like from fluorescent bulbs). They can tolerate a couple hours of direct sun, but this is very drying, so plan to supplement their water if they do get direct sun. While air plants can handle short periods of darkness, like when they are shipped, or if they are temporarily displayed in a dark corner, they do need good lighting to grow their best. Indoors or out, tillandsia are very versatile.
Temperature
Your air plants will do best in a range of temperatures between 50° and 90° Fahrenheit.
Humidity
Speaking of humidity, why is it such a big deal for Tillandsias? Most tropical plants are known to love a warm, water-heavy atmosphere, but it can make or break your Tillandsia’s survival.
The survival of this plant has a lot to do with its process of photosynthesis. As mentioned earlier, Tillandsia adapts for a slightly different photosynthesis method than most other plants. For plants that love humidity and grow in arid environments, CAM photosynthesis helps them maximize even the slight moisture around them.
In normal photosynthesis, plants synthesize food from sunlight and water through the exchange of gases; they take in carbon dioxide and release air, the opposite of humans. However, this process can cause a lot of water loss for plants.
For Tillandsia, when growing in an arid condition, water loss can be a huge problem. Engaging in CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis helps conserve water because nighttime is the most humid time of day in any environment.
This humidity affects Tillandsias during the day as well. Most plants must keep their pores, or stomata, open during the day for the respiration process. This process is how they lose water. Tillandsia keeps its stomata closed during the day, only opening them at night.
While this may seem trivial, it’s a fundamental fact to know for proper care of your air plant. Providing humidity through misting or even soaking is best during the daytime, as it won’t waterlog your plant then.
Let your air plant do what it does best and absorb the natural humidity at night time. If you provide extra moisture, do so in the morning to allow your plant the whole day to absorb it before night rolls around.
Watering
Tillandsia are commonly known as air plants, for their ability to live entirely off of nutrients and moisture in the air in their native habitats. Tillandsia are often found in trees, nestled in the fork of a branch where humidity and dew collects to form moist pockets. Each leaf has a texture designed to collect as much moisture from the air as possible.The many leaves of the plant then funnel water droplets to the base of the plant for its use. Unless you live in a hot and humid rainforest, you will need to provide the water your air plants need.
Plan to water your tillandsia with a couple of methods used in concert. Although rain water is best, tap water is usually fine for air plants, as is well water. Do not use distilled water or softened water. If you are using tap water, set a bowl of water on the counter for a few hours prior to using it for your plants. This way, the chlorine can evaporate before you add the air plants. Submerge your air plants in the water, and leave them soaking for an hour. After their bath, gently shake the excess water from the plants and set them out in good air circulation to air dry upside down, to let all the trapped water run out and dry. Check the plants after four hours. If they are fully dry, return them to their display. It is important not to let the plants remain wet, or they will rot.
Weekly soakings will keep your tillandsia happy in most locations. Supplement (do not replace) the soaking with misting your air plants a couple times each week. If you are in a very dry location or are going through a heat spell, mist more frequently, and consider adding a second bath each week. Or try bringing your air plants into the bathroom before a long hot shower – they will love the steamy humidity!
Pay attention to the look and feel of your wispy tillandsia air plant before their bath and after. You will see the difference being well hydrated makes for your plants. The leaves are more open and more flexible, and the color is clearer. Although air plants can survive with far less water, they will grow and reproduce and flower far better with proper watering. In short, they will thrive.
Air plants in bloom should be rinsed under running water instead of submerged, with care taken for the delicate flower. Increase misting for the air plants while in bloom.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your air plants is not strictly necessary, but it does lead to better health, better growing and better blooming. Well fed air plants also are better able to adapt to challenging conditions, like a 2 week vacation without watering, a heat wave, etc. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for bromeliads or air plants once a month, or dilute Miracle-Grow or similar water soluble plant foods to 1/4 strength. Add the fertilizer water to a spray bottle, and mist thoroughly with the food water once a month.
Planting Process
With Tillandsias, the sky’s the limit with planting. No soil, no problem! But it’s still important to consider their particular needs when choosing how to display or style your plants. There are many popular ways to “plant” these plants, but not all will lead to healthy plants.
- Glass Globes
Using hanging glass vessels to display air plants has become a popular and eye-catching piece of home decor. If you decide to go this route for housing Tillandsia, then keep several essential things in mind.
Glass globes will limit the amount of air circulation that your Tillandsia receives. This limit doesn’t mean that Tillandsias can’t survive and thrive in glass globes; it simply means that you must choose the right-sized one for your plant.
Make sure that the globe is large enough to allow the leaves and bottom of the plant to get adequate circulation. Also, pay special attention to ensure that the air plant dries out entirely after soaking before returning it to its glass globe.
Moisture inside this environment won’t evaporate as quickly, meaning that over-misting or leaving your air plant wet inside its glass globe will likely lead to rot.
Likewise, carefully choose the area that you will hang the glass globe. Since glass will only amplify the light that the plant receives, make sure to select a suitably shaded spot that won’t cause the glass to overheat or burn Tillandsia’s leaves with too much direct light.
In a glass globe, you can add items at the bottom for your air plant to grow on or to simply complement it. Again, choose objects that won’t cover the plant, that will let air circulate properly, and that won’t leach chemicals or hard minerals into the plant’s environment.
- Mounting
If glass globes aren’t for you, then Tillandsias can also be mounted in various attractive ways for display around your home. Here’s what to know about mounting and how to make sure your Tillandsia is happy in this environment.
If you go to your local houseplant shop or nursery, you’re likely to see plants mounted in shells to look like octopus tentacles, on wood planks, and in a variety of other ways. Some of these mounting methods make properly watering and drying a Tillandsia impossible. They can also include mounting materials, like glue, that hinder air circulation.
Check for these red flags before purchasing a pre-mounted air plant. In the best-case scenario, mounting a Tillandsia yourself will ensure that the plant can still grow and thrive.
Maintenance
Tillandsias can live for quite a while. While they may not live as long as spider plants, they can live for several years. Throughout the life of your Tillandsia, you’re likely to have to do a bit of maintenance to keep it looking and feeling its best. However, Tillandsias have a reputation for being low-maintenance if placed in the right environment.
The central maintenance required will be the removal of brown or dead leaves. Tillandsia will naturally shed leaves as it grows, just like any other plant. So don’t panic if you see a few withering, brown leaves near the base of the plant as it pushes out new growth.
Simply remove these: give a gentle tug, and if the leaf is dead, it will come away quickly. If it puts up resistance, leave it and try again in a few days. Never pull the leaves off forcefully.
Propagation
Once you see full-grown pups (around one-third to half the size of the mother plant) and see that the mother plant is withering, you can choose to propagate the pups or allow them to clump.
If you choose propagation, you can simply gently twist the pup from the mother plant’s base. If this doesn’t work, you can also use a knife and make a clean downward slice right at the bottom of the pup.
However, you can also choose to let the pups clump, forming a larger plant. In this scenario, simply make sure to remove the mother plant once it’s entirely spent. Do this by pulling off withered and dry leaves. You can tell for sure that the leaves are dead when they don’t require much effort to pull off. They will peel away on their own with a gentle tug.
In either instance, make sure not to remove the mother plant until you are sure it is spent. Doing so can not only harm the pups if they’re not yet fully grown but can also prevent the growth of more pups that the mother plant might put out.
Pests and Diseases
In the world of houseplants, many pests and diseases arise from the quality and condition of the soil. Although most plants don’t have any dirt to worry about, they are still susceptible to some ailments. Many ailments can come from unideal environmental conditions.
Common Pests
Mealybugs and scale are the most common pests that can prey on these plants. Both will attack the leaves of the air plant.
Mealybugs will appear as a cotton-textured coating on the leaves, and the pests will suck nutrients from the leaves, resulting in withered or unhealthy-looking leaves.
On the other hand, scale is most notable on the bottom sides of the leaves and appears as hard bumps that resemble this pest’s namesake: scales. These can be harder to detect. You may not notice it until the infestation becomes rampant. Make sure to examine your Tillandsia to rule out pests regularly.
If you notice any pests on your Tillandsia, then quarantine the plant and treat it with an anti-pest spray. Neem spray and soapy water are two good natural alternatives to pesticides that you can use safely indoors.
Common Diseases
Other than pests, the main ailments that can harm Tillandsia have to do with overly moist conditions. Mold, rot, and fungus can multiply in warm and humid areas. Be on the lookout for sources of these growths.
Other than pests, the main ailments that can harm Tillandsia have to do with overly moist conditions. Mold, rot, and fungus can multiply in warm and humid areas. Be on the lookout for sources of these growths.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Best for your overall wellbeing
Unlike other indoor plants, the air plant has tiny hairs on its leaves called trichomes. These plant trichomes help absorb water and capture toxins and harmful chemicals from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde. Plus, they photosynthesize at night, similar to most other plants. In other words, air plants give out fresh oxygen, which enables you to inhale clean air even if you are sound asleep. Other than that, research shows that people surrounded by houseplants, specifically air plants, will enjoy the peaceful environment they need. It means these plants will help reduce stress, decrease blood pressure, and improve concentration and productivity at work or home by 10 to 15%.
- Ideal for Decorations
Like most other succulents, air plants have a variety of unique textures, colours, and shapes. It enables gardeners and designers to make any space look more sophisticated and appealing. Since you don’t need soil for your air plants, you can make them suit any room and place them in any beautiful pots or containers such as air plant terrariums or tillandsia terrariums. It allows you to transfer your plant from one place to another without any hassle. Additionally, air plants can thrive easily on different surfaces such as driftwoods or shells, providing you with a chance to show your creativity with them.
