Air Plant
Tillandsia ionantha
Rootless epiphyte that absorbs moisture and nutrients through its leaves. Requires no soil at all — display on driftwood, in glass terrariums, or mounted on walls. Produces a vivid red blush before flowering.
Best rooms for air plant
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for air plant
Mist 2-3 times a week or submerge in room-temperature water for 20 minutes once a week. Shake off excess water — standing moisture in the leaf base causes rot. Needs good air circulation. Keep above 10°C.
Watering
Let the compost dry out completely between waterings. Roughly every 2–4 weeks.
Propagation
- Offsets (pups) after flowering
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Rot from trapped water in the base
- Drying out in centrally heated rooms
- Brown leaf tips from under-watering
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