What is Tillandsia, better known as Air Plants or Airplants?

According to Wikipedia, “the plant genus Tillandsia, a member of the Bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae), is found in the deserts, forests and mountains of Central and South America, and Mexico and the southern United States in North America.

The thinner-leafed varieties grow in rainy areas and the thick-leafed varieties in areas more subject to drought. Moisture and nutrients are gathered from the air (dust, decaying leaves and insect matter) through structures on the leaves called trichomes.

Tillandsia are epiphytes and need no soil because water and nutrients are absorbed through the leaves. The roots are used as anchors only. Reproduction is by seeds or by offsets called "pups". A single plant could have up to a dozen pups.

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 colour (usually changing from green to red) when about to flower.”

Basically, Tillandsia is a hardy plant that doesn’t require soil to grow and requires much less attention than other house plants. These hardy plants are adaptable and tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions and require minimal care. The three most important requirements are water, bright light, although not direct sun and good air circulation.

Link to Tillandsia Care

Tillandsia Care

Water – Water plays a very important role of succeeding with Tillandsia (better known as air plants) as they are a living plant and thus require water just like any other living thing. They must be watered but make sure that you don’t over-water them.

The frequency of watering depends on the environment; more often in a hot, dry environment; less often in a cool, humid one. Water the air plants regularly, at least 2-3 times a week, by rinsing them under a faucet or hose until dripping wet. Due to the hot weather in Malaysia, my outdoor air plants are watered daily.

After thorough watering, turn the air plant upside down to drain excess water because if left being wet for long periods, it may cause rotting. Make sure the air plants are dried out before the next watering. It is best to water them in the morning so they dry by nightfall.

Tillandsia absorbs water through its leaves (instead of the roots) and when the leaves start to curl or roll, it’s a sign of dehydration. If this happens, soak the plant by immersing in water for up to 12 hours. You can also soak them in water every 2 weeks to completely hydrate the leaves. Softer, greener-leaved plants will require more frequent watering and a bit less sun than gray or silver-leaved plants.

Light - Bright filtered light is the rule of thumb, and the higher the humidity of the air the higher light will be tolerated. The light requirements can usually be deduced to the leaves of the Tillandsia. The harder or thicker the leaves and the more gray their color, the more light they need. The thick-leafed, gray- to white-leafed species can tolerate full sun in humid climates, preferably early morning or late afternoon sun while the green and gray-green, softer-leafed species need less sunny conditions.

Air Circulation - Following each watering, the Tillandsia should be given enough light and air circulation to dry in 4 hours or less. Do not keep them constantly wet or moist as this may cause rotting. Locate your Tillandsias in a well-ventilated area as they love fresh moving air. The movement of air dries plants between waterings which helps to avoid any disease due to overwatering.

Link to Pictures of my air plants

Pictures of my air plants

This is T. Ionantha Fuego in bloom. The leaves turned from green to red when it was in bloom.












T. Andreana














T. Xerographica

















T. Funckiana











T. Graomogolensis. It has white furry leaves and spotted 1 small 'pup' (baby plant)