King of Air Plants Tillandsia xerographica

Water

The air plant, commonly known as Tillandsia xerographica, should be watered by thoroughly misting or soaking the plant every one to two weeks; frequency depends on the climate—more often in hot, dry climates and less often in cool, humid ones. To soak, immerse the plant in water for about 30 minutes, then shake off excessive water and allow it to dry upright. It's important to let the plant dry completely within four hours to prevent rot. During winter months or in cooler, darker environments, watering can be reduced to once every three weeks or as needed, considering the dryness of the environment. Typically, a couple of ounces of water per misting session or enough water to fully submerge the plant during soaking should suffice.

Light

Tillandsia xerographica thrives best in bright, indirect light, meaning it should be placed near a window but not directly in the line of harsh sun beams that can scorch its leaves. Morning light is ideal, with protection from stronger afternoon rays. If grown indoors, a location with south, west, or east-facing windows is suitable, ensuring the air plant receives the bright, filtered light it needs to grow and flourish.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for the air plant, Tillandsia xerographica, lies between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of not less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the plant is not exposed to frost or freezing conditions. Optimal growth occurs when the air plant is kept in temperatures consistent with its natural tropical habitat, which would be in the warmer end of its tolerable temperature range.

Pruning

Prune Tillandsia xerographica to remove any brown or dead leaves as they occur to maintain the plant's aesthetics and promote healthy growth. Additionally, pruning can be done to shape the plant or manage its size. The best time to prune is during the growing season, spring through early fall, when the plant can recover more quickly from the removal of leaves. Pruning is not needed frequently, generally only when tidying up the plant's appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Air Plant or Tillandsia xerographica does not require soil as they are epiphytes that absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. A mix for mounting or placing them could consist of bark or a non-soil material that allows air circulation. The soil pH is not applicable.

Repotting

Air Plant or Tillandsia xerographica does not require repotting as it does not grow in soil. They may be mounted on structures or placed in a decorative holder that accommodates their size as they grow.

Humidity & Misting

Air Plant, or Tillandsia xerographica thrives best in high humidity conditions, around 50-70%, which mimics their native tropical and subtropical environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain humidity.

• Outdoor

  Hang or mount in partial shade with protection from harsh elements.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Tillandsia xerographica, commonly known as the Xerographica air plant or simply as Xerographica, begins its life as a seed which germinates into a small plantlet. As an epiphyte, it anchors itself onto a supporting structure, like a tree or rock, using its roots for stability rather than nutrient uptake. The plant goes through a slow growth period in which it develops a rosette of silver-gray leaves that are capable of absorbing water and nutrients directly from the air through specialized cells called trichomes. After several years, it reaches maturity and produces a colorful inflorescence, which can bear multiple flowers capable of cross-pollination by birds, wind, or insects. Once pollination occurs, seeds are produced and distributed by wind to begin the cycle again. In its final stage of life, after flowering and seed production, the Xerographica will eventually die, often leaving behind offsets, or "pups," at the base of the plant that grow into new individuals.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the air plant (Tillandsia xerographica) is through the division of offsets, commonly known as "pups." Pups are small plants that form at the base of the mother plant after it flowers. For the best chance of success, the ideal time to propagate is during the warmer months when growth is more vigorous. Once a pup reaches about one-third the size of the parent plant, it can be gently removed by tugging it away from the base or carefully cutting it off with a sterilized knife. The new offset should then be allowed to dry for a day before being placed in an area with adequate air circulation and indirect light to begin its growth as an independent plant.