LIGHT

• Prefers bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight.
• Avoid hot, direct sun, which can quickly dry out and burn the leaves.
• Gray or silvery varieties (more trichomes) can generally tolerate more sun than green varieties.

WATER

• Air plants do not grow in soil; they absorb moisture through their leaves and require regular watering.
• Water primarily by soaking for 20-30 minutes, 1-3 times per week, depending on temperature and humidity.
• Alternatively, they can be misted daily (though soaking is usually more effective).
• Use rainwater, filtered water, or distilled water; tap water is acceptable, but hard water minerals can block trichomes over time.

SOIL

• No soil is required.
• They must be mounted, placed in terrariums, or set on rocks, shells, or wood.

GROWTH HABIT

• Ideal conditions: High air circulation, bright filtered light, and moderate to high humidity.
• Growth rate & size: Growth rate is very slow. Size ranges from tiny (less than an inch) to very large (up to 3 feet in diameter), forming clumps over time.

PROPAGATING

• Propagated by separating the offsets or "pups" that grow at the base of the plant after it flowers.
• Wait until the pup is at least one-third to one-half the size of the mother plant before separating it with a clean knife.
• Pups can also be left attached to form a beautiful clump.

PRUNING

• Remove only dead, brown, or crispy leaf tips using clean scissors.
• Once the main plant has finished flowering, the spent bloom spike can be trimmed off.
• The mother rosette will gradually die back after flowering and producing pups; remove it once the pups are established.

REPOTTING

• Not applicable as they do not use soil.
• They may occasionally need to be re-mounted if they outgrow their current fixture or if the mount decays.

FERTILIZING

• Fertilize sparingly and lightly.
• Use a diluted, nitrogen-free fertilizer formulated for bromeliads or air plants, mixed with their soaking water once a month during the spring and summer.

FLOWERING

• Produces a colorful flower spike (inflorescence) that can last for weeks or months.
• The plant often turns a vibrant color (blushing) just before or during the flowering period.
• The main plant is monocarpic, meaning it flowers once and then begins to die, producing pups to continue the cycle.

TOXICITY

• Considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

PRO TIPS

• Excellent air circulation is the most important factor; they must be allowed to dry completely within four hours after watering to prevent rot.
• Never plant them in soil.
• Do not place them in a sealed container, as they need fresh air to survive.