How to care for Tillandsia (Air Plants)
Tillandsias, better known as air plants aren't that difficult to look after. I've had two now for a year and yielded 3 pups from them. Admittedly though the first ever air plant I purchased I killed.
My Tillandsia died as I used misting as the primary means of watering, however this is not sufficient. It can help create humidity (which Tillandsia love) in dry climates but your Tillandsia still need to be submerged in water.
In summer you should submerge your Tillandias in water for about half an hour once a week, less in winter. Once complete shake off the excess water and leave in a sunny, well ventalated spot to dry. Tilandsia should dry within 4 hours the optimum time is between 1-3 hours.
When choosing a spot in your home for your Tillandias remember they prefer bright, filtered light. If they're left in direct light especially in the summer months the plant may become sunburnt.
If you wish to remove pups to create a second plant wait until the pup is 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother plant. Hold both mother and pup at their bases and gently twist in a downward motion.
I only just learnt that each Tillandsia will flower only once in it's lifetime and will die about 2 years after blooming. But during this time your mother plant will produce many more pups so treat her well!
