Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: Tillandsias are bromeliads. Bromeliaceae is the family name for all bromeliads, and Tillandsia is the genus name for a group of bromeliads. There are over 550 species of Tillandsia, making that genus the largest and most diverse of the entire bromeliad family.

Answer: Of course you do! They are live plants and must have water the same as any other plant. Confusion is caused by the use of the common name, 'airplant', which is used because (with only a few exceptions) they require no soil. They like to be watered well (until water drips off the plant), but need to be allowed to dry between waterings. Good air circulation helps.  Water 2-3 times weekly.

Answer: Please do NOT plant airplants in soil of any kind. It is a certain death for most Tillandsias. They prefer to be hung by wire or fishing line, or more often mounted on wood, rocks, trees or any medium that does not keep the roots and base of the plant moist and soggy. Avoid wrapping the base of plants with sphagnum moss or sheet moss because it will not allow the plant to dry.

Answer: Saturate by spraying a dilute solution (1/4 tsp. per 1 gallon of water) of a good liquid fertilizer with a low copper content. The Tillandsia airplants absorb moisture and nutrients through trichomes, the scale-like cell structure of the leaves.

Answer: Since Tillandsia bromeliads absorb their nutrients through the leaves, the absence of a root system does not necessarily signify a weak or unhealthy plant. Young offsets just removed from the 'mother' may not have roots. Roots can be trimmed off the plants and not hurt their vitality.

Answer: If kept inside, they need to be near a window to receive as much light as possible. Since indoor conditions are less humid than outdoors, they will need to be watered frequently if air conditioning and heating is used in the house or office.

Answer: Hang Tillandsias in trees or in porch, pool and patio areas. Give them as bright a light as possible without direct sun. If they do receive some direct sun, make sure it is early morning sunlight. They like moving air, not closed stifling conditions.

Answer: Most Tillandsia bromeliads can withstand temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit for short durations. Frost can be quite damaging. So general rule of care would be to protect from frost and freeze.

Answer: Most bromeliads, airplants included, only bloom once in their lifetime. However, they reproduce by growing 'pup' usually around the base of the 'mother' plant. So even though the plant will not bloom again, you should have multiple offsets that will bloom when they mature in a normal growing season.

Answer: Of the over 550 different Tillandsia species, only a very few of them have a fragrance. But when they do the scent is very powerful for the size of the flowers.

Answer: Tillandsia bromeliads can also reproduce by seed. When the seed pod matures, breaks open and receives moisture the seed can begin to germinate. It will take several years (4 to7 or more depending on the species) to grow a plant to maturity. But it's great fun to watch.

Answer: A plant that derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. It grows usually on another plant or object (ex: trees or rocks) as a means of support only. An epiphyte causes no harm or detriment to the plant it is attached to because it is not parasitic.

Answer: If it is unsightly it can be removed by cutting it off. If you want to see if it has viable seeds, leave it until any seed pod matures and pops open. Continue normal care routine and watch for seeds to germinate. It may take several months before the germination becomes visible.