Air Plant
Tillandsia juncea
An epiphytic perennial featuring a dense rosette of narrow, stiff, grass-like green leaves that grow upright from a central base, attaching to a branch without soil.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid harsh direct afternoon sun.
- Water
- Water once a week by soaking the entire plant in water for 20-30 minutes, followed by thorough drying upside down to prevent rot.
- Growth
- Epiphytic perennial rosette growing slowly to about 6 to 12 inches tall and 4 to 8 inches wide.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight, submerge in water weekly for 20-30 minutes, shake off excess moisture, and mount on bark or wood without soil.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid harsh direct afternoon sun.
Watering
Water once a week by soaking the entire plant in water for 20-30 minutes, followed by thorough drying upside down to prevent rot.
Soil
Not applicable as this is an epiphyte; grown mounted on wood, cork, or wire without traditional soil.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11; grown indoors elsewhere.
Growth habit
Epiphytic perennial rosette growing slowly to about 6 to 12 inches tall and 4 to 8 inches wide.
Bloom season
Blooms intermittently, producing a central spike with small tubular purple or blue flowers.
Propagation
Propagated by removing offsets or 'pups' that grow at the base of the parent plant after they reach at least one-third the size of the mature plant.
Common pests & issues
Prone to rot if left standing in excess water; occasionally affected by mealybugs, which can be treated with a gentle insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Tillandsia ionantha, which has shorter, more succulent leaves that turn vibrant red or pink prior to blooming, unlike the taller, grass-like green leaves of Tillandsia juncea.