AIR PLANT CARE AND INFORMATION


                                             
                                                  The most important factors in Tillandsia care are: Light, Water, and Air Circulation
LIGHT
Lighting for Tillandsias should be bright but filtered (April - October). They should not be left in the direct sun in the summer months (this will cause
the plant to become sunburned ). Tillandsias love direct sun (November - March). Tillandsias may be grown in the house directly in front of a
window. Fresh moving air is advisable, but remember, the most important care need is bright filtered light.
The thicker or stiffer the leaves and the more gray or white their color, the more light the plants need.  These light-colored, thick or stiff leaved
plants grow in full sun in their native habitats and can often tolerate full sun in humid areas outside of their native areas.  However, to be on the
safe side, it is recommended that even these types of airplants be grown in light shade....between 4000 - 7000 footcandles of light is best.  The
green to light green airplants with softer leaves are adapted to growing in shady conditions and do best in 2000 - 4000 footcandles of light.  
BEWARE: Trees, overhangs and window tinting can rob your plants of needed light. Place plants no further away than 3 feet in front of a bright
window.
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ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
Full spectrum artificial light (fluorescent) is best. Plant should be no further than 36" from the fluorescent tubes and can be as close as 6". A
four-tube 48" fixture works well. Bulbs can be any full spectrum type Gro-Lux, Repta-Sun, Vita-Lite, etc. Light should be set with a timer, 12 hours
per day.

WATER
The recommended method of watering is by drenching so the plants end up thoroughly wet(to point of runoff).  For indoor plants, you can do this in
your kitchen sink and use a watering can or your sink hose sprayer....it only takes a few seconds to get the plants thoroughly wet.  The frequency
depends on temperature, humidity, plant specie(some species prefer less water), plant size, and air circulation.  For most indoor and outdoor
situations, watering 2 - 3 times per week is sufficient.  If conditions are hot and dry, water more often, if cool and humid, less often.  Plants should
be given enough light and air circulation to dry in no longer than 4 hours after watering.  If air circulation is not good, you can use an electric fan.  
Spray misting is insufficient as the sole means of watering even if done daily but may be beneficial between regular waterings in dry climates to
increase the humidity.  To check for dryness, look at the leaf bases in the central part of the plant.  Plants may look dry, but moisture may be
present in the central meristematic area....if this area remains too wet for too long, rot may develop.  

An alternative watering method is soaking.  Soaking is recommended if plants become severely dehydrated, indicated by limp, wrinkled, or curled
leaf edges.  If symtoms indicate dehydration, drenching usually won`t bring the plants out of the dehydrated state, so the plants should be
submerged in water for up to 12 hours.  Soaking every 10 days to two weeks will keep plants happy and meet their water needs.  
After watering, plants with thick fleshy leaves that tend to trap water in their centers should be turned upside down  and gently shaken to remove
trapped water.
  
Water quality is not important for most tillandsias so you may use tap water, rain water, or bottled drinking water.  Don`t use distilled water.  IF THE
PLANT IS IN A SHELL, be sure to EMPTY THE WATER out. Tillandsias will not survive in standing water.

AIR CIRCULATION
Following each watering, Tillandsias should be given enough light and air circulation to dry in 4 hours or less. Do not keep plants constantly wet or
moist. If plants are allowed to stay wet for too long, fatal rot can develop.

TEMPERATURE                                                                                                                    
Optimum temperature range for tillandsias is 50 - 90 degrees F, but they can tolerate temps from freezing to above 100F. . Do not expose to
freezing temps.

FERTILIZER
Use Bromeliad fertilizer (17-8-22) twice a month. It is GREAT for blooming and reproduction! Other water-soluble fertilizers can be used at 1/4
strength (Rapid Grow, Miracle-Grow, etc.) if Bromeliad fertilizer is not available.  Don`t fertilize newly received plants for at least 3 weeks.

TILLANDSIAS IN VIVARIUMS AND OTHER ANIMAL ENCLOSURES
Enclosures must have at least one side of screen mesh. Full spectrum fluorescent lighting is Ideal full spectrum incandescent lighting will be
sufficient when care is taken to avoid placing heat producing bulbs too close to plants The higher the wattage, the more distance should be used to
avoid burning or heat-damage to plants. Good air circulation and proper watering schedule must be maintained.

MOUNTING TILLANDSIAS
Mount plants on almost anything, - Driftwood, manzanita, seashells, coral, lava rock, crystals using a non - water soluble glue such as "Liquid Nail",
E-6000 craft glue, or just silicon caulk. #1 ) Set plants on the prospective mount. If you like the arrangement, proceed. #2) Place glue on mount,
#3) Place plants onto glued area. Larger plants may be supported with fishing line until glue dries. #4) Cover glue with sawdust or sand to
camouflage.

For more information, click on this link:  Additional Tillandsia Information

A Tillandsia is a Bromeliad...but not all Bromeliads are Tillandsias. Bromeliad is the Family name. Tillandsia is the genus.

Airplants are the common name for Tillandsias (sometimes called "Air Plants"). Not all Bromeliads are Airplants. Airplants grow without soil while
most types of Bromeliads do best in soil.

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          TILLANDSIA CARE