Tillandsia are a very versatile and low maintenance plant. They absorb moisture and nutrients through little fibres on their leaves called trichomes. This means that they do not require roots or to be planted in soil to survive. They actually only grow roots in order to attach themselves to whatever they are growing on in nature - this could be anything from trees, to rocks to even hydro wires! With a little bit of sunlight and love, a tillandsia can be a truly rewarding house plant. Here is how you can make sure that if you invite it to share your home, he has a good chance of survival (yes, I refer to my plants as boys and girls, haha).
Tillandsia plants need bright, indirect sunlight. Close to a window is the best for your plant (within about 3 feet). South, East or West facing windows are the preferred spots for these little guys. This is one of the reasons why you see terrariums hanging in the window. The second thing that Tillandsia need is air. This one is pretty easy to provide. Just make sure that you do not display them in a closed container. Tillandsia terrariums usually have a couple holes in them, one big one in the front and two small ones at the top. This can vary depending on the terrarium but the holes allow for air to flow through for the plant. Third, and very important is water. Tillandsia, also known as air plants, require water to live. Sometimes people find this confusing because they are called air plants they think they survive off of just air alone but that is not true. Don't worry though, they are still super low maintenance. So let's get into the watering routine.
There are lots of different ways to water your Tillandsia. You can read other blogs which will tell you a variety of different things, and that is fine, you should find something that works for you and your air plants. What I'm going to tell you is what works for me, in my home, with my air plants. For one, I do not soak my plants, I only mist my plants. I found that when I was soaking my plants it would encourage rot and there is no way to bring them back from that. Some plant parents find success with soaking, maybe I'm doing something wrong I'd be happy to hear what you're doing! So, my spray bottle is from Dollarama - those clear ones with the green logo on them. I like this one because it's an actual mist not a stream. Fill this bottle (or a bottle of your choice) at least 24 hours before you plan to water your Tillandsia. There are a lot of chemicals in our tap water that aren't great for your air plants. Allowing it to sit for 24 hours allows the chemicals to dissipate. Bonus points if you collect rain water and water your air plants with that, they will drink it up! So, here are the steps.
Step One: Remove your air plant from his terrarium and give it a good misting. Hold your air plant upside-down (allowing water to sit in the base encourages rot). Three or four sprays should be good - remember, I don't soak or bath my plants in between misting like some other tilly parents do so my misting may be more of a soaking than some others may suggest.
Step Two: Shake it off. Remove excess water.
Step Three: Place it upside-down on a paper towel (or even better, save the environment and use a towel) to dry. Let him dry off completely - an hour or two before placing him back in his terrarium.
Step Four: Place him back in his terrarium once he has dried completely.
Remember, you want to ensure you are watering your plants in the morning. They respire at night, so if you water them at night you will essentially smother them. They need to be dry before nightfall. This is another great way to keep your air plants from rotting. Aside from watering, you really are best to just leave your plant alone. We tend to kill them by over loving them, watering or what have you.
Taking care of Tillandsia, like any other plant, requires a routine but once you have it down they really are easy to take care of. If you forget about it for a week, it will probably forgive you, how cool is that?! Give it a try. Let me know how you do and email me if you have any questions, I would be happy to help. Until next time tilly lovers!
Maddy - The Plant Lady
Comments