I've had marginal success in the past with air plants, bu...
0ft to light, direct
2” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 month ago
3
Hello there, air plants require a complete different set up... No pot, just hang or place it where it would be exposed to the airflow and preferably not in direct sunlight. The selling display in the store is for eye appeal only. Not for growing.
Based on your photo, you got an Ionantha specie Tillandsia (Tilly), which is relatively easy to maintain.
When the plant dries, it looks silvery due to its cell structure (trichrome), once wetted, it becomes green or reddish as in your photo. I do not mist it but dunk it for 5-10 min and then shake it for about a min to ensure the water between step and leaves is dry like with orchids - it's a sensitive area from where the rot can start.
Some tips: Typically it changes color when it's about to bloom. Keep in mind airplant is 1 time bloomer plant by nature, meaning it will grow -> bloom -> produce pups (offsets) -> die.
There is also an intermediary step between blooming and forming pups, forming the seed' pod
Based on your photo, you got an Ionantha specie Tillandsia (Tilly), which is relatively easy to maintain.
When the plant dries, it looks silvery due to its cell structure (trichrome), once wetted, it becomes green or reddish as in your photo. I do not mist it but dunk it for 5-10 min and then shake it for about a min to ensure the water between step and leaves is dry like with orchids - it's a sensitive area from where the rot can start.
Some tips: Typically it changes color when it's about to bloom. Keep in mind airplant is 1 time bloomer plant by nature, meaning it will grow -> bloom -> produce pups (offsets) -> die.
There is also an intermediary step between blooming and forming pups, forming the seed' pod
@RespectableCorn No soil required! I have many air plants and they do great as long as they have enough light you you soak them in a bowl of water once a week for about 20-30 min then set them upside down on a towel and let them dry! That is all there is too it!
