Common Air Plant
tillandsia fasciculata
Also known as: ["Candlewood","Weather Plant","Lightning Plant"]
Overview
A species of epiphytic bromeliad native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, known for its silvery-gray leaves and tall, bright red inflorescence.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus: | Tillandsia |
| Botanical Name: | Tillandsia fasciculata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor or outdoor mounting in bright, airy spaces
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days, or more frequently in dry climates
- Drainage: Not applicable (air plant); if potted, use fast-draining mix.
- Soil Type: Not required; mounts or well-draining orchid bark mix if potted.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or when dead leaves are present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or discolored leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense midday sun; rotate regularly for even growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate weekly; use sheer curtains if indoors.
Watering
every 1–2 weeks, or when the plant feels dry to the touch
Soak thoroughly, ensure complete drying between waterings, and adjust frequency with seasons.
Soil
no soil required; mounts well on cork, wood, or placed in a glass container
pH: Not applicable (air plant); if potted, prefers slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Avoid waterlogged conditions; ensure air circulation around roots; use rainwater or distilled water.
Temperature
Prefers 60–90°F (15–32°C). Tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warmer conditions.
Avoid drafts; maintain stable temps; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer) with a bromeliad-specific fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer well; spray directly onto leaves; avoid soil application.
Propagation
Methods
By offsets (pups) or seed. Pups are the preferred method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate pup from mother.
- Allow callusing for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Water lightly.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: After the parent plant flowers or when pups are at least one-third the size of the mother plant.
Environment
Bright indirect light, high humidity (60–70%), and warm temperatures (70–85°F).
Medium
Well-draining mix of orchid bark, perlite, and sand or air plant-specific medium.
Hormone
Not necessary for pups; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Pups establish in 2–4 weeks; mature in 1–2 years. Seeds take 2–3 months to germinate and several years to mature.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), propagation case or humidifier.
Quick Tips
Do not overwater pups; provide consistent humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Clean scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove only dead/damaged leaves; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Any time, but best during active growth (spring–summer).
Pot Size
No pot size increase needed; focus on secure mounting or appropriate container.
Method
Mount on bark, wood, or place in a well-draining container with orchid mix or air plant soil.
Suggestions
Not required for Tillandsia fasciculata as it is an air plant. Mounting or changing substrate may be done for display purposes.
Checklist
Choose appropriate mounting material; secure plant gently; ensure good air circulation.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Soak duration; drying time; water temperature (room temp); water quality (rainwater or distilled preferred).
How to Apply Water Properly
Submerge the entire plant in water, ensuring all leaves and base are soaked. After soaking, shake off excess water and place in a well-ventilated area to dry completely within 4–6 hours.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water 2–3 times per week in summer, reducing to once every 1–2 weeks in winter. Soak the plant for 2–4 hours in water, then shake off excess and dry completely.
Soil Improvement
Not applicable (air plant); if potted, amend with perlite or orchid bark for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Brown leaf tips (cold), wilting or drooping (heat), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to rot if wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, reduce watering, and ensure good air circulation.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl or become brittle, growth may slow, and water loss increases.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently if needed.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Dilution rate; application method (foliar spray); frequency (monthly in growing season).
Fertilizing Method
Use a bromeliad-specific fertilizer or diluted orchid fertilizer (¼ strength) monthly during growing season (spring–summer).
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTillandsia fasciculata is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose a risk of poisoning or irritation to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicTillandsia fasciculata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicTillandsia fasciculata is not considered toxic to humans. It does not produce any known harmful compounds that would cause adverse effects upon contact or ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Tillandsia fasciculata?
A: Water once a week by misting or soaking in water for 20-30 minutes.
Q: Can Tillandsia fasciculata grow indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives indoors with bright, indirect light and good air circulation.
Q: Does Tillandsia fasciculata need soil?
A: No, it is an epiphyte and grows without soil, attached to surfaces or in containers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 1–2 weeks, or when the |
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