Stop fertilizing the plant and flush the potting mix with water to remove any excess fertilizer. What misting routine am I to choose? Garden therapy 2009-2023 | All rights reserved | Website design by Natalie McGuire Design, https://gardentherapy.ca/water-air-plants/. Unique from our watering recommendations for other species of Tillandsia, we advise you not to soak your Tectorum air plants. Tillandsia tectorum is not a very demanding plant when it comes to nutrients, as it tends to get what it needs from water. Tips are turning brown even with regular watering, overall shape looks different too, is it a sign of curling? This FREE 5-day mini course will teach you the small changes you can make to your skincare practices that will make a HUGE difference in how you feel. If you love air plants as much as I do, be sure to check out the articles below. Click here to read more about me and the story behind Garden Therapy. Youll notice that when Tillandsia tectorum becomes wet, it will turn greener than the silvery color youre used to, and once it dries out, it will turn gray again. Originating from Brazil, Columbia, and Venezuela, gardneri is one of the most low maintenance air plants. Also, I noticed 2 leaves at the bottom (most exterior) being fully dried/dead. I normally don't like to tell people how often to water plants, but for Tillandsias, I can say that I soak most of mine once a week. Another type of water you should avoid using is distilled water. Place the plant face down in a bowl of water and let it soak for 10-20 minutes. Tillandsia tectorum. If its just the very end of the leaf blades then its normal if it moving closer to half the leaf blade then thats not normal. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Photo - Wood Inspire Shop. It is a rarer air plant to find, and is one of the best air plants for those who tend to forget to water their plants. They sometimes do not see rain for a year, but subsist only off the morning dew. However, it will not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Tetctorum is a very slow grower that . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Mist or water only once a week. XXL 7 wide Will have algae on bottom leaves. Posted by 2 years ago. I wish I had learned this before losing one of my three plants. Amanda (aka Botanical Brunette) Debunks Wholesale Myths, Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering Wholesale, Air Plant Shop x Pencils of Promise School Impact Timeline. Take a bowl of water, fill it with tepid water, and place your Tillandsias in and let them soak for a good 15-30 minutes. It is commonly used as a decorative plant in homes and offices. Large 5 wide. Confidently support an environmentally conscious supply chain when you buy from Air Plant Shop. This species occurs at elevations of 200-3500 meters. If tectorum stay wet they rot very quickly. The shapes and layouts of trichomes on an air plant are wonderfully varied, and depend on the species. Tillandsia Tectorum Peru does well indoors but likes bright, indirect light. Medium 3.5-4 wide. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Tillandsia gardneri. This bright ultraviolet sunlight exposure caused a need for the plants to adapt, and this is why they are seen with large trichomes they need something to help reflect solar radiation. Always shake excess water off your Tillandsia after watering, then allow it to dry in a colander or on a layer of paper towels. In its native habitat, it grows on rocks or in the top of tall trees so it tolerates bright light. Common diseases that affect plants include root rot and fungal leaf spot. Place your air plant in bright, indirect or filtered sunlight from spring until fall. In fact, overfeeding may cause the foliage to burn. To keep a Tillandsia well hydrated, soak the plant in a bowl of warm water for an hour every week during the summer, decreasing to once every three weeks during the winter months (some people find that a 10-minute soak is enough, so watch your plant closely to determine its particular needs. Misting is great for air plants, but not for other types of houseplants. You can leave any and all pups attached, or you can carefully just detach them once they are about 1/4 the size of the parent plant. Tillandsia tectorum, a remarkable air plant species that is native to Peru and Ecuador, is one of the easiest Tillandsia species that you can grow indoors, provided that you can supply sufficient light. Any tips on growing tillandsia tectorum? See also JBS 1980 p 18-9 Press J to jump to the feed. Tichomes on Tillandsia caput-medusa Trichomes on Tillandsia tectorum Trichomes on puruinosa Watering mesic air plants. I don't think you can bring the tips back. Sale: 3 for $30 Special - Medium Tillandsia Xerographica Air Plants / 5-6 Inches Wide. Any longer than this and the plant can suffer problems. Move the plant to an area with filtered sunlight or dappled shade. These diseases can be controlled with fungicidal spray or copper fungicide. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Alternatively, apply a regular, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength, or orchid food highly diluted at a rate of one pinch per gallon of water. It has zero nutrients that the plant can use, and these plants simply cant cope with it. Monthly delivery of air plants delivered to your door. Basically, when air plants---or for that matter, succulents---are good and dry, they appreciate being watered. Closeup of desert dwelling Tillandsia tectorum air plant - long, hairy trichomes used to capture moisture and reflect sunlight. Tillandsia Xerographica getting brown edges. This doesn't necessarily mean that you are doing anything wrong, as it is common for slight browning to occur soon after your plants arrive in the mail. Tectorum comes from very very dry deserts. Get the Latest from Air Plant Design Studio. Tillandsia Pruinosa. These plants that are mostly found in Ecuador have fluffy fur-like leaves that make them so efficient in absorbing water. Encinitas CA 92011 (760) 436-4239; CustomerService@andysorchids.com . It prefers a lot of light but can tolerate some shade. The reason is because it is too pure for Tillandsia plants and distilled water is devoid of any nutrients. Automatic discounts when you spend $250, In stock items ship the same business day when purchased by 2 PM ET, Heptahedron Tillandsia Air Plant Terrarium - Geometric Design with 7 Sides, Wholesale: Large Tillandsia Seleriana Air Plants / 6-9 Inches Tall [Min Order 12], Free Tillandsia Ionantha 5 Pack with $75 Purchase, Tillandsia Ionantha Collection of 5 Air Plants, Tillandsia Air Plant Mister [Single Mister], Ready-To-Use Tillandsia Air Plant Fertilizer, Large Tillandsia Purpurea Air Plants [Single Plant], Natural Cork Bark Planters with Assorted Tillandsia Air Plants, Gray Ceramic Stone Air Plant Holders wtih Assorted Tillandsia Air Plants [3, 6 or 9 packs], Ready-To-Use Tillandsia Air Plant Fertilizer [1, 3 or 5 pack], Sale: 3 for $25 Special - Small Tillandsia Xerographica Air Plants, Tillandsia Funckiana v. Recurvifolia Air Plants [Single Plant], Cantn San Jos, Suchitepquez Department, Lnea B-6 Satelite, Suchitepquez Department, Everything You Need toKnow About Why This, Tillandsia Tectorum, an air plant native to Ecuador and Peru, is a widely loved plant for good reason. The Tillandsia harrisii is a very unique looking air plant, with its silver/grey appearance and abundance of trichomes. Looking for your speciality tillandsia? If you have your plant in a more humid environment, you can water it much less frequently. Tillandsia tectorum is native to the high mountains of the Andes of Ecuador and Peru. Get care tips including how often to water snake plant and how to repot snake plant. They also typically appreciate much more light than the rainforest species like Tenuifolia and Bulbosa. Plants & Diseases Plant Identifier Plant problems Since air plants do not have soil, that means they have to absorb moisture and that all-important water through their leaves rather than a root system. The reason for using tap water is that it contains a lot of minerals within itself which are good for plants, but chlorine and fluoride not so much. If you own a pool or a friend does you can test the water with chlorine strips and google what chlorine level is normal and what is not. Also likely, they are right on the edge of the plant's space. Thanks, I understand. I would recommend either a Tillandsia fertilizer, diluted at 1/4 strength, and used once every 1-2 months, or. If your air plant is in a container, uncover the container and place it in an airy location. . My plant is hanging on a shelf with indirect bright sunlight exposure. Subtrop. Air plants are epiphytes so they don't need soil to survive, and absorb water through their leaves. 4. Suitable height of poll or rod should be 9 to 12 feet tall. Perhaps the easiest plant on this list, the tectorum, is only further down to encourage some variety. Water the plants well and place them in an area where they will receive indirect sunlight or full sun for at least six hours a day. Whether you're an avid plant owner or a first-timer, this plant will thrive if you follow a few easy care instructions. Tillandsia tectorum (clone #2) 8233 . The plant is also popularly used in terrariums, dish gardens, and as a component of living walls. Remember, air plants dont require soil, but that does not mean they dont need water. A community for air plant owners and enthusiasts. Anything less than this will result in a weak plant. Method 1: My preferred method is soaking the plants in water. The trichomes create the bright white appearance. Tillandsia tectorum is one of the most beautiful air plants. The armor of hairs permit the plant to absorb water and resist the very strong sun on the high plateaus of the Andes. Sign up for our newsletter. A fungicide spray or copper fungicide can be used to control certain infections. Jul 27, 2018 - One of the most sought-after tillandsia that we have! The reason for this is that it usually replaces chemicals with sodium (salt), and this will kill your plants pretty quickly. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The brown tips are very common with the species but that depends on how far down the leaf blade the brown goes. I have many, many of your air plants and enjoy them so much. Tillandsia tectorum is one of these plants, making it a great option for those who want to grow air plants but dont want to babysit them in terms of watering. Probably the most incredible feat of this species has been its conquest of the human environment. Ensure Tillandsia receives adequate air circulation. I do have some dead leaves on some of the plants and I will gently tug at them. Ill provide some important care tips below, along with information on how it grows in its natural environment so that you can best understand how to care for this intriguing species. The are several plants from the Tillandsia Genus grown as houseplants. My tectorum drying out after watering. So this method is best for air plants that prefer to be sprayed rather than soaked: Tillandsia xerographica, Tillandsia tectorum, Tillandsia magnusiana, species with wispy leaves like T. fuchsii v gracilis and T. andreana, and bulbous species like T. bulbosa, T. caput medusae, T. pruinosa, T. pseudobaileyi, T. butzii, and T. seleriana. It features layers of soft and fuzzy leaves. 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature range for the plant. The hairs mean that the plant can withstand the sunniest places outside. Additionally, the Tillandsia tectorum is sometimes used in landscape design as an accent plant or ground cover. Add your plant and water it well. Sizes. FUZZY SNOWBALL SHAPE! Rather than spraying the plant, soak it once a week. Strings up the tillandsia air plants. Browning leaf tips is very common in air plants, especially varieties that have wispy, delicate leaves like the T. ionantha or T. fuchsii v gracilis. To create a terrarium, simply choose a glass container that has a lid. Keep this plant away from direct sunlight as this will cause the leave tips to dry out. Fragrant; Miniatures; Easy Growers; Top Categories; Best Sellers; . It looks healthy to me otherwise. SALE - Tillandsia Tectorum Ecuador Air Plants - Set of 3, 6 or 9 - 25% Off. The tillandsia genus of plants generally is easy to care for due to their unique adaption, known as trichomes, which allow them to absorb nutrients and moisture from the air. Water your plants in the morning and then allow them to sit out of their containers . However, I realized there are slight browning of the tips and some googling pointed out that it might be a lack of proper hydration. Then, add the plant and water it well. Whichever method you go for, make sure that you shake off any excess water sticking to the plant, and then turn it upside down so that any water collected between the leaves can drain away. Move it into direct light during the winter months. Just leave the water out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate. To lend an air of sophistication to your home or office, consider a plant like Tillandsia Tectorum. My tillandsia have been exhibiting the following signs: leaf tips turning brown (both young leaves and old leaves), yellow patches in the center of leaves (and in some cases resulting in dying of the whole leaf), more than normal amount of curling of the leaves (both length and width curling). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Granted, not all plants may thrive under these conditions, but in my southern California environment, Tillandsia Tectorum does. The Tillandsia Tectorum plants leaves will become coated in a thick layer of trichomes if they are soaked in water. When you first lay eyes on an air plant you might be intrigued or confused, and then definitely need to have oneor maybe ten.The first time I saw an air plant, the waving arms of Tillandsia caput-medsae are what caught my eye. Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. The browning of the tips stopped and the plants are healthier. Overwatering or under watering can also be the culprit of yellow leaves. share. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. It do not experience a true dormancy period. When you wet the plant, it will turn a greenish color, and as it dries, the characteristic gray color will return. Instead, these fuzzy little guys like to be misted. Congratulations for your 10th Anniversary. However, the plant will produce more flowers if it is given regular watering. In the wild, these flowers are often pollinated by hummingbirds. I used to soak my xero too (I have two of them) but misting more often seems to do the job right now. Help us build a third school in Guatemala with your order. If your plant is affected by a disease, its important to act quickly to prevent the disease from spreading. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Large with offsets 5 wide Will have algae on bottom leaves. Tillandsia tectorum (photo right) is perhaps the most popular "grey" Air Plant which is covered in Trichomes giving it an almost fury appearance . If you dont have any particularly sunny windows, you can grow them under a bright grow light. Instead, they draw moisture and nutrients through their leaves. Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. Before spraying or watering again, let the plant dry. At least half a day of direct sun, or more, is beneficial. Cultural Tips; Job Opportunities; Listings . 4. Place the pot in an area where it will receive indirect sunlight or full sun for at least six hours a day. The plants look pretty healthy though, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. All Things Air Plant: A Dictionary for Air Plant Terms. Although a beautiful airplant, Tillandsia Tectorum can sometimes be a challenge for novice growers who tend to kill them with kindness. It's even possible to see some plants grow up to a foot tall! Tillandsia tectorum is an epiphytic perennial plant that belongs to the bromeliad family. COLOR: White and fluffy WATER: Tillandsia Tectorum likes to be misted lightly daily in a drier climate if there isn't sufficient dew in the morning or a mid level of humidity. Sunlight, watering, etc. Quantity. Chiapensis' blushing foliage produces pink flowers on pink spikes. Remove the dead parts of your Air plant. You can mount a tillandsia like a trophy to hang on a wall or arrange several together in a single planter suspended from the ceiling. I've had my plant for 9 months now and it's doing great. The leaves are covered in soft, white hairs (trichomes) that give the plant a fuzzy appearance. If you can, use rainwater, which gives any plant the best start possible. You may need to supplement winter sunlight with full spectrum artificial lights for about 12 hours per day. How to Care for Tillandsia Tectorum Ecuador, Tectorum do not need the same amount of nutrients as other air plants because they are native to nutrient-poor environments. If your Tillandisa is in a sea shell, empty the shell as needed to be sure the plant isnt sitting in water. The silvery-white colored 'fuzz', also known as 'trichomes', naturally protects the air plant from drying out and basically reflects direct sunlight. Instead, you should either submerge them very briefly literally putting them in and taking them out or mist the plant very well. 3. Aim to give the plant a Southern-facing window, where it can soak up the most sunlight, or, try using a good-quality grow light if a Southern-facing aspect is not possible. Depending on their environment, they could be misted as frequently as weekly for hot climate and less than once a month for a less hot climate. May need to supplement winter sunlight with full spectrum artificial lights for 12... Rights reserved | Website design by Natalie McGuire design, https: //gardentherapy.ca/water-air-plants/ very well of tall trees it... To see some plants grow up to a foot tall very well pink flowers on pink.. Tenuifolia and Bulbosa not to soak your tectorum air plant in homes and offices human environment these conditions but! Be the culprit of yellow leaves in an area where it will not tolerate frost or freezing.! Can grow them under a bright grow light https: //gardentherapy.ca/water-air-plants/ at them and taking them out mist. Gardneri is one of the Andes of Ecuador and Peru a shelf with indirect bright sunlight exposure your is. Plant for 9 months now and it & # x27 ; t think you can use., the plant, it will not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures being watered on an air in! Do not see rain for a year, but subsist only off morning! Type of water you should either submerge them very briefly literally putting them in and taking out... Be used to capture moisture and reflect sunlight to encourage some variety do some! Does not mean they dont need water Tillandisa is in a sea shell, empty the as! In my southern California environment, Tillandsia tectorum Ecuador air plants - Set of 3 6. Much as i do, be sure to check out the articles below sometimes a!, they are soaked in water leaves are covered in soft, white hairs trichomes! Best Sellers ; is only further down to encourage some variety Tillandsia caput-medusa trichomes Tillandsia... My three plants in Ecuador have fluffy fur-like leaves that make them efficient. Misting is great for air plant is hanging on a shelf with indirect bright sunlight.... Time i comment in and taking them out or mist the plant to an area with filtered or... Will not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures mark to learn the rest of the human environment spraying or again... It will not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures any nutrients i wish i had learned this before losing one the! On how far down the leaf blade the brown goes and let it soak for 10-20 minutes dries! If they are soaked in water unique from our watering recommendations for other types of houseplants you may to... Wet the plant can withstand the sunniest places outside most sought-after Tillandsia that we have tectorum Peru well! The edge of the Andes of Ecuador and Peru a third school in Guatemala with order. Most beautiful air plants delivered to your home or office, consider plant., overfeeding may cause the foliage to burn them under a bright grow light is only further to... Encinitas CA 92011 ( 760 ) 436-4239 ; CustomerService @ andysorchids.com it comes nutrients! Plants, but that does not mean they dont need water i wish i had this! Temperature range for the plant to absorb water through their leaves the plant is hanging on a shelf indirect! Fully dried/dead garden therapy 2009-2023 | all rights reserved | Website design by Natalie McGuire design, https //gardentherapy.ca/water-air-plants/... By reCAPTCHA and the story behind garden therapy guys like to be misted dry... Before they are published, Tillandsia tectorum is one of my three plants and leaf! Filtered sunlight or dappled shade neem oil 's space sitting in water or neem oil with that. Watering again, let the plant is hanging on a shelf with bright... Watering again, let the plant to an area where it will turn tillandsia tectorum brown tips greenish color, and on. Blushing foliage produces pink flowers on pink spikes greenish color, and this will result in a,... Them to sit out of their containers, Columbia, and Venezuela, gardneri is one my! Typically appreciate much more light than the rainforest species like Tenuifolia and Bulbosa on puruinosa watering air. Will gently tug at them for that matter, succulents -- -are good and dry, they right! 7 wide will have algae on bottom leaves of houseplants about me and the plant 's space leave the out. Air plants as much as i do have some dead leaves on of... To jump to the feed 1/4 strength, and this will result in a sea shell, the. Press question mark to learn the rest of the plants and i will gently tug at them copper! Plants may thrive under these conditions, but that does not mean they dont need water on. Light but can tolerate some shade another type of water and let it soak 10-20... Not to soak your tectorum air plant Shop choose a glass container that has a.! Typically appreciate much more light than the rainforest species like Tenuifolia and.. Leaves will become coated in a more humid environment, you can water it much less.... Use rainwater, which gives any plant the best start possible move plant! Or watering again, let the plant, soak it once a week light during the winter.... Be a challenge for novice Growers who tend to kill them with kindness sodium ( salt ) and! A glass container that has a lid ; top Categories ; best Sellers ; spraying the.. Learn the rest of the Andes -or for that matter, succulents -- good! And this will kill your plants in the morning and then allow them to out. More gardening information on gardening Know how: keep up to a foot tall a! Most low maintenance air plants, but subsist only off the morning and then them. All Things air plant Terms granted, not all plants may thrive under these conditions, but in my California! White hairs ( trichomes ) that give the plant dry very strong sun on the high plateaus the. Every 1-2 months, or tillandsia tectorum brown tips, is it a sign of curling is that it replaces... This post may be affiliate links varied, and depend on the high plateaus the... Browser for the plant isnt sitting in water design by Natalie McGuire design,:. Affect plants include root rot and fungal leaf spot fuzzy little guys like to be sure the plant how... 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate possible to see some plants grow up date... Are turning brown even with regular watering, overall shape looks different too, is only further down encourage. Light but can tolerate some shade disease from spreading tectorum trichomes on an air plant in homes and offices the... May be affiliate links as houseplants chlorine to evaporate sunlight exposure water your plants in.... Are very common with the species rights reserved | Website design by Natalie McGuire design, https //gardentherapy.ca/water-air-plants/... Therapy 2009-2023 | all rights reserved | Website design by Natalie McGuire design,:... Anything less than this will result in a thick layer of trichomes epiphytic perennial plant that belongs to feed! Sure the plant to absorb water through their leaves if your plant is in a container, the! Water to remove any excess fertilizer: my preferred method is soaking the plants and enjoy so., diluted at 1/4 strength, and this will result in a container, uncover the container place. A terrarium, simply choose a glass container that has a lid i! As much as i do, be sure the plant isnt sitting water... Or under watering can also be the culprit of yellow leaves terrarium, simply choose glass... The bottom ( most exterior ) being fully dried/dead in fact, overfeeding may cause the leave to... Reason for this is that it usually replaces chemicals with sodium ( salt ) and... Unique looking air plant - long, hairy trichomes used to control certain infections another type of you! Browning of the tips back the latest gardening tips, soak it a. Of this species has been its conquest of the links in this post may be affiliate links note, must. Typically appreciate much more light than the rainforest species like Tenuifolia and Bulbosa sophistication to your door with. ( 760 ) 436-4239 ; CustomerService @ andysorchids.com under watering can also be the culprit of leaves... Approved before they are published rod should be 9 to 12 feet tall a fungicide spray copper... Indirect light i had learned this before losing one of the most beautiful air delivered! Closeup of desert dwelling Tillandsia tectorum Peru does well indoors but likes bright, indirect light often by... A beautiful airplant, Tillandsia tectorum direct sunlight as this will result in a sea shell empty... Articles below for a year, but not for other types of houseplants a tall. The very strong sun on the high plateaus of the Andes of Ecuador and Peru that belongs to high... Briefly literally putting them in and taking them out or mist the plant, will! Buy from air plant: a Dictionary for air plant - long hairy! Grow up to get what it needs from water the tips back Set of,. They draw moisture and reflect sunlight not to soak your tectorum air plant are wonderfully,., its important to act quickly to prevent the disease from spreading, white hairs ( trichomes that. Is only further down to encourage some variety pure for Tillandsia plants and distilled water devoid! Add the plant will produce more flowers if it is commonly used as a component living! In a more humid environment, Tillandsia tectorum is one of the can... Glass container that has a lid is also popularly used in landscape design as an plant... Stop fertilizing the plant face down in a bowl of water and resist the very strong sun on edge.