Tillandsia spp. · Air plants

The pot contains a physical identification label reading 'Family: Bromeliaceae, Tillandsia spp., air plants,' which is a reliable curatorial source in this conservatory setting. This matches the visual characteristics of the plants themselves: clumping rosettes of narrow, silvery-gray, curling leaves covered in trichomes (fuzzy scales), a hallmark of xeric-adapted Tillandsia species (often called 'air plants') that absorb moisture through leaf structures rather than relying heavily on roots. The genus-level label (spp.) indicates that multiple species or an unspecified species are present, so a more specific species identification is not warranted without closer inspection of individual plants' leaf width, curl pattern, and any flower/inflorescence structures, which could help distinguish between common species like T. ionantha, T. tectorum, or T. bulbosa.

Generated 2026-08-24 23:11 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).

Light

Bright indirect light or dappled sun; some direct morning sun is fine for many species, but avoid intense unfiltered midday sun which can bleach or scorch leaves.

Water

Mist or soak 2-3 times a week; submerge in room-temp water for 20-30 minutes weekly if not misting daily, then shake out excess water and let dry upside down within a few hours to prevent rot.

Nutrients

Use a diluted (quarter-strength) bromeliad or orchid fertilizer in the water/mist about once a month during the growing season; skip in winter.

Repotting

Not potted in soil - no repotting needed. Simply reposition or reattach to mounts as the plant grows or produces offsets (pups).

Soil media

None - true epiphyte grown mounted on bark/wood, in a wire basket, or displayed loose; never plant in soil or potting mix.

Temp & humidity

65-80F; moderate to high humidity (50%+) - regular misting or soaking is essential since they absorb water through leaf trichomes rather than roots.

Temperature range

🌡️ 65-80F

Humidity range

💦 50%+

Care group

🏷️ Bright & Humid

Toxicity

No known toxicity concerns for people or pets.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free; watch for scale and mealybugs, and rot at the base from water pooling in the crown or insufficient drying time after watering.

Propagation

Division of offsets (pups) that form at the base after flowering - remove once they are about one-third the size of the parent and have some roots or a firm holdfast.

Generated 2026-08-24 23:11 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).