How to Water Tillandsias or Air Plants: This May SHOCK YOU!

There is much confusion over how to water Tillandsias, or air plants. Some of the information in this post may shock you, but I promise that you can grow beautiful air plants if you follow my advice!

For reference, check out a couple blog posts that a wrote on air plants as well!

The first is on general airplant care:

And this next one is specifically for Tillandsia xerographica:

[bhumphries]

Videos that show hands on demonstrations are the best. I think a lot of people who run these channels are not thinking from a beginner standpoint, and tend to forget the best way to teach a beginner. Thanks for the video. You got a subscriber or of me. Will also be sure to share!

[joyc]

Thank you noting the distinction between tropical origin and arid origin of the Tillandsias! Now I know why my xerographica isn't doing as well as I'd hope! Also, having them be out in the rain for a bit is a wonderful tip!

[brandieryan]

I just got a xerographica and this is by far the best and most informative video I have seen! I have struggled with air plants in the past, but this gives me hope😊Thank you so much!!

[ccl]

Thank you once again for an informative video! I once again went back to the plant nursery over the weekend for ONE type of plant... I came home with 4 plants instead. One being the Xerographica. I do have two other air plants that I love, however this beauty stood caught my eye so, My husband bought it for me. ( the weekend before was my ponytail palm) I always do research on anything I purchase before bringing something home however, the Xerographica came home then I started the research.. it is odd and at times very confusing when it comes to this particular plant.. it seems everyone says something different so, I have decided I am ONLY going by what you say about any plant. I greatly appreciate your videos and absolutely love your book. I sat and read for hours when it arrived Sunday evening. Love it!!! For anyone that reads these comments.. purchase his book, it is the best plant parent book there is.

[violetgibson]

Oh this is so cool! I never heard of these before. I actually searched plants that don’t need soil out of curiosity, because of a story I am writing. Now I need one of these.

These are like having an apologetic roommate, “I’m so sorry, don’t mean to be needy, but could you get me some water every few days? Just stick me in some, I’ll soak it up myself. I’ll never ask for dirt, or a bigger pot, I promise.” 😍

[PinkPurkle]

One of the best videos for airplant watering.. thank you!

[SB-oqlh]

Thanks for your video! I found the way you did your presentation really worked. You have a gentle voice that makes it nice to listen to the information, and it was interesting and informative to watch you because you demonstrated everything, holding and moving and watering your plants throughout.

[doncumberbatch]

I just got 6 this last week I am so thankful for you to video you now have a new viewer ‼️👍🏾👏🏿

[judithblue]

I have 19 air plants. I have them all displayed in their cute holders. I am new to air plants. My friend started me with 3 and she thought I would enjoy them since she had hers. . I did some research and found so many different ways to take care of them. I read to soak for 15 mins, overnight and one hour.
Also to shake them. But the video I watched was a slight shake to remove water. My way is to put them in a clean bucket and I use tap water. Soak for 30 to one hour. Take them out and give a slight shake and place upside down on a pan with wire racks for 4 hours at least before putting them back to their holders.
I have a spray bottle of air plants fertilizer and sometimes I’ll put the fertilizer in the socking water, and other times after taking them out of the water shake then as I hold them I spray the them and give another slight shake and then set them to dry. Loved your channel thank goodness. Could you let me know if I got some right. One I know you showed is to really shake them. Judy

[lilacKurage]

Amazing video full of knowledge! As a starter, I now feel more confident with my lil buddy!

[lynnstratton]

Thank you SO MUCH for all the great info! You kept me from using distilled water, and so helped me understand the watering process! I’m now a subscriber, and looking forward to learning more from you!

[jennAKAskuna]

Dang!! That explains how my xero rotted out. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Never new there were “drier” air plants; I just assumed they were all from the tropics/jungle. Thanks for the great video!

[macylouwho]

This was the most helpful of the videos that I have seen so far on care of these, thank you. This actually helped me avoid buying the wrong type for my situation, I need the more desert type instead because it’s going in a metal orb decoration and soaking it won’t be the best option of watering. It will be difficult to get out, and metal even when sealed with clear coating shouldn’t soak long term in water. Also just wanted to add that for anyone who has fish aquariums-that water is chlorine treated, and full of natural fertilizer already-so you could pop an air plant in the aquarium for that day long soaking and have it probably be even better than rain water. I’ll probably soak my air plant in the bucket when I change my fish water weekly-at least for a few hours anyway. Probably better seal that orb with a few more coats of polyurethane before I try that though!

[johnjwedrall]

I learned the proper way to care for airplants with your video, thanks👍

[maryoverton]

Thank you so much for the good info. I have about 10 little air plants. I bought 3 and fell in love! Anyway I've subscribed so I'll be seeing you.
Thanks again

[phoenixgal]

Great informative video! I am so glad I watched this video because I just bought an air plant that I had mistakenly soaked in distilled water---now I know not to do that anymore. Thank you for the heads up!😇♥

[twilaklense]

Thanks for this video, I have killed air plants before because of no instructions attached to it. But now I want to start again. You give me hope I will succeed this time around. Thanks for sharing !!! :) :)

[anaco.]

Thanks so much! This by far was the most informative video I have found.

[tonynelson]

Great video I’m very new to air plants I have a green thumb for most plants but these look like I have a lot to learn thanks

[niknik]

Ty just started collecting air plants about 7 months ago. Still learning