Air Plant Care (Tillandsia)
Tillandsia
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | Soak 20β30 minutes once a week; dry upside down. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | None. They grow without soil. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 10β30Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average; soak more often in dry heat. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Beginner Pet safe No soil |
| π Grows to | 5β30 cm. |
Air plants grow without soil, taking in water and nutrients through their silvery leaves. They fit anywhere: in shells, on driftwood, in hanging holders or terrariums. The two things that matter are a weekly drink and drying properly afterward.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a metre back from a south window. Silver, fuzzy types (like xerographica) handle more light; smooth green types prefer a bit less.
Watering
Once a week, soak the whole plant in room-temperature water (rain or filtered is best) for 20β30 minutes. Then shake gently and dry it upside down on a towel for a few hours so no water sits in the base. A plant that stays wet in the centre will rot. Big xerographicas are better dunked quickly and misted than soaked.
- Curling or rolled leaves mean thirst.
- A dark, mushy base means it stayed wet too long.
Soil + repotting
No soil needed. Never plant air plants in soil or moss that stays wet. If you put one in a terrarium, leave it open so air can circulate.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed air plants with Southside Air Plant Fertilizer, made just for tillandsia. Add it to the soaking water or mist it on, about once a month. It helps them grow to full size, make more pups and put on their brightest blooms. If your air plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. Air plants have no soil, so skip Kelpy, worm castings and granular food; those are for potted plants.
Trim dry leaf tips with clean scissors. After blooming, an air plant grows little "pups" at its base; leave them on to form a clump, or separate them when they're a third the size of the mother.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Curling, crispy leaves | Thirsty | Soak longer or more often. |
| Dark, mushy base; leaves falling out | Rot from staying wet | Always dry upside down; increase air flow. |
| Brown leaf tips | Dry air or tap-water minerals | Trim; use rain or filtered water. |
| Pale or fading colour | Low light | Move to brighter indirect light. |
| Mother plant fading after bloom | Normal life cycle | Care for the pups; they'll replace it. |
Varieties we carry
We carry a rotating mix of air plants, plus xerographica when we can get it. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my air plant?
Soak for 20β30 minutes once a week, then dry upside down.
Do air plants need soil?
No. Soil keeps them too wet.
Are air plants safe for pets?
Yes. They're non-toxic to cats and dogs, though cats love to bat them around.
Can air plants live in a closed terrarium?
Not long-term. They need air flow to dry between waterings.
Air Plants care kit
- Squeezy Watering Bottle: Precise watering for small pots and terrariums.
- Houseplant Spray: For spider mites, mealybugs and other pests.
- Southside Air Plant Fertilizer: Made for tillandsia. Add to the soaking water, or mist it on.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Sundew Β· Venus Fly Trap Β· Alocasia Β· Tradescantia Β· Goldfish + Lipstick Plants Β· Pink Princess Β· Monstera Adansonii Β· Anthurium Β· All plant care β