Air Plants - Tillandsia sp.


Tillandsia is a genus of around 540 species belonging to the Bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae). Tillandsias are found in the forests, mountains and deserts of Central and South America, Mexico and the southern United States.
Tillandsias are epiphytes therefore they don’t need soil because water and nutrients are absorbed through their leaves. Tillandsias still have roots though which are used more as anchors to hold onto trees, rocks or other objects they rest upon. Reproduction is by seeds or by offsets forming at the base of the plant called pups. These pups can be left attached to the mother plant to form a cluster or separated once the pup reaches about one half the size of the mother plant.
Although not normally cultivated for their flowers, some Tillandsia will bloom on a regular basis. In addition, it is quite common for some species to take on a different leaf color (usually changing from green to red) just before producing a flower. This change in color is an indication that the plant is monocarpic (meaning it flowers once before dying) however offsets around the flowering plant will continue to thrive. For other varieties of Tillandsia, once your plant has finished blooming and the bloom stalk (spike) turns brown, you can simply cut the dead stalk off with scissors.
Temperature is not critical with plant tolerance along the range of 95°F down to 45°F. However, most varieties are sensitive to frost with the exception of T. usneoides and a few other varieties which can tolerate night-time frosts down to about -20°F.

Light should be bright but filtered and some varieties can tolerate direct sunlight in coastal areas. Extended exposure to direct sunlight inland during the summer months can severally damage and or kill a Tillandsia.
Direct light in the cooler months of November to March is fine and you can grow your Tillandsia in front of a bright window (but don’t put it up close to the glass). Artificial lights are great for Tillandsias as well and in that case use a full spectrum fluorescent bulb like a "Gro-Lux" bulb about 6-12" above the plant. Place the lights on a timer for about 12 hours a day. 
In general, the greener and softer varieties like a little more water and protection from full sun.
Although Tillandsias are called "Air Plants" they do need water to survive.
Thoroughly wet your Tillandsia 2-3 times per week if they are exposed to a hot, dry environment; less often in a cool, humid one. Plants should be given enough light and air circulation to dry within 4 hours after watering. 
Spray misting is insufficient as the sole means of watering in hot, dry climates but may be beneficial between regular watering to increase the humidity. During hot months try and soak your Tillandsias in filtered water overnight once a week or more. Tillandsias will not survive in standing water.
Under-watering is evidenced by an exaggerating of the natural concave curve of each leaf. Fertilizer can be applied monthly from Spring to Fall
however too much fertilizer can burn your Tillandsia so err on the side of underfertilizing. 
Interestingly, Tillandsia is a primary ingredient in an herbal supplement to treat pollen allergies.
At our nursery in Leucadia we sell a water-soluble fertilizer perfect for Tillandsias called Epiphyte’s Delight along with booklets about how to care for your Tillandsia.
As always, if you have any questions please let us know!
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillandsia and
http://www.reedsgreenhouse.com/tillandsia.htm

Comments

Dustin Faddis said…
Thanks for the Info Emma!