Tillandsia is the largest genus in the bromeliad family. They are native to the warmer climates of the Americas. Commonly known as airplants, they are found from jungle rain forest to arid desert environments.
Most Tillandsia species use their root systems to attach themselves to trees or rocks and absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. This classifies them as epiphytes. Absorption occurs through small scales on their leaves called trichomes. These trichomes are what give many air plants their silver or gray appearance. There is enormous variety in size, shape, texture, bloom and color of these bromeliads. Many of these unique plants undergo a dramatic color change as they prepare to bloom. Some have a very luscious and unequaled fragrance. Since tillandsias are epiphytes, the mounting medium you choose is limited only by your imagination.
These hardy plants are adaptable and tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions and require minimal care. The three most important requirements are bright light, although not direct sun, good air circulation and water.

INDOOR / OUTDOOR CARE:

LIGHT:

Bright light or filtered sun is recommended. If the nature light conditions are not possible, a broad spectrum fluorescent light, such as an aquarium light will provide short term light requirements for your plants.
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. Even though many grow in full sun, as a rule we do not recommend it. Early morning or late afternoon sun should be fine under more humid conditions. In hotter, dryer conditions more shade and water should be provided.

WATER:

Indoor tillandsias should stay healthy with a watering schedule of 1 to 2 times a week. However, it may be necessary to water more often due to dryer, less humid air caused by air-conditioning or heating. Plants grown in humid outdoor environments should be watered 1 to 2 times weekly. In dryer climates more frequent watering may be necessary. Saturate the bromeliad completely until water runs off the plant – light misting is normally insufficient. Allow to dry completely between waterings. If your plant’s leaves start to curl or roll, it could be an indication of dehydration. This can be corrected by completely submerging your plant in water for approximately 15 minutes; then resume normal watering schedule. Softer, greener-leaved plants will require more frequent watering and a bit less sun than gray or silver-leaved plants.

FERTILIZATION:

If you wish to make your plants extra happy you should fertilize about once a month. Use a good quality liquid or water soluble fertilizer with a formulation low in copper. (High amounts of copper are toxic to bromeliads.) We recommend 10-5-5 plant food. Normally dilute the suggested dosage to 1/4 strength. Fertilizing is not absolutely necessary to survival, but will increase the growth and vigor of your plants and their blooms.

TEMPERATURE:

Very tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, most species can withstand near freezing temperatures. 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.

COMMON MISTAKES:

1. Many people do not water often enough.
2. Too little light is a common mistake.
3. Putting them in soil or covering their bases with moss, can keep them too wet and cause them to rot.
4. Too much fertilizer can burn air plants. With most liquid fertilizers 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. per gallon of water applied once a month will keep your bromeliads healthy.