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Plant Profiles / Air plants
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Air plants
Tillandsia spp. · Tillandsia
Soil-free plants that absorb water through their leaves. Display in shells, glass or mounted on wood.
Bright indirectLight
Soak weeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Bright, no harsh sun.
Water
Soak weekly
DryWet
Soak 20 minutes, then dry upside down.
Humidity
Moderate
LowHigh
Bathrooms ideal.
Temperature
10–32°C (50–90°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
5–30 cm.
Soil
None
LeanRich
No soil.
Fertiliser
Monthly
RarelyOften
Bromeliad fertiliser in water.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Safe.
About this plant
Native to the Americas, Tillandsias grow on trees and rocks. Soak or mist regularly.
Best spots
Shelves, bathrooms, terrariums and bright windows.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Tillandsia spp. |
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Origin | Americas |
| Plant type | Epiphyte |
| Mature size | 5–30 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Colourful spikes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Pups |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Soak
FloweringSoak
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Curling leaves | Thirsty. |
| Rotting base | Not drying. |
| Brown tips | Dry. |
| Pale | Too much sun. |
| Dying after flowering | Normal; pups follow. |
Common questions
Soil?
No.
Water?
Soak weekly.
Pet safe?
Yes.
Flower?
Once.
