Tillandsia aka Air Plant
Taxonomy
Common names
Air Plant, Tillandsia Silver Queen, Houston Air Plant, Tillandsia Stricta Recurvifolia, Tillandsia HoustonHow to care for Air Plant
Difficulty
Air Plant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Air Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Air Plant is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Air Plant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Air Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
Air Plant prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.
Fertilizer
The Air Plant is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Air Plant’s native range is the Americas.
More info:
Wikipedia