Tillandsia (Epiphytes), also know as air plants, are generally easy to care for because they require no soil and often thrive on neglect. They absorb all their water and nutrients through their leaves and their roots are strictly used for anchoring themselves to a tree or a rock and they are non-parasitic.
Watering Air Plants
A great way to water an air plant is by soaking them in a “bath” of room temperature water for 10 to 20 minutes.
If the air plants are mounted to something that can’t be soaked in a bath, spray them down with a spray bottle, garden hose, or in your shower or kitchen sink
Rain water, filtered water and water from a freshwater aquarium are all great. We have had good luck with our tap water but it all depends on where you live and the quality of that water.
It’s important to shake off excess water and be sure to let the air plant dry completely in between watering.
Outdoors: 1x per week, 2x per week if it’s a dry climate.
Indoors: 2x per week. Keep plants away from a/c and heating vents!
Light
There are air plants that thrive in shade (bulbosa, pseudobaileyi, butzi) while others thrive in full sun (tectorum, xerographica).
If you’re not sure what your air plant can tolerate, place it in bright indirect or filtered sunlight, this lighting will work for all Tillandsia.
Feeding
Feed 1/4 strength with diluted fertilizer (any brand) 1x per month.
more info?
If you’d like more detailed care instructions for a specific Tillandsia, ask us in the comment section below and we’ll reply.
I ordered a value pack of 5 small Tillandsia. The first thing to do, per instructions, was soak 1-2 hours to revive them. Most of them are less than 2 inches, but I soaked for @90 minutes. Placed now with my orchids in a bright indirect window. How will I know if I’ve already killed them? Second question: you suggest a 10-20 minute soak 2 x per week. The printed insert directions give the same advice, except for how often: every 2 weeks.
You will know if you soaked them for too long if the plant begins to fall apart. They don’t like staying wet.
Soaking 10 – 20 minutes 2x per week, every week is recommended.
You have so many great tips! Where do u buy your airplants?