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

[@bhumphries1360]

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!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@brandieryan9396]

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!!

[@OhioTropics]

So happy that you enjoyed the video!

[@richarddietz8419]

thank 0000 13:59 00

[@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!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful Jenn! :-)

[@joyc6945]

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!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@lelandsmith2320]

Not quite--most are from the tropics but some are from the moist tropics and some are from the seasonally dry tropics. Some are even from tropical deserts. Within a given country this can be just a matter of a few miles but a substantial elevation difference.

[@PinkPurkle]

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

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! :-)

[@macylouwho1187]

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!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! And great tip on the aquarium water! If I had an aquarium still, I would definitely use that water :-)

[@lynnstratton2890]

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!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video Lynn!

[@princetongary9639]

Use distilled water always! I don't know why this guy is sharing such wrong information distilled is if you can't get rain water! There's to much minerals and other toxic elements in tap water it will kill them

[@SB-oq4lh]

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.

[@OhioTropics]

Well thank you so much! I'm so happy that you enjoyed the video :-)

[@violetgibson9]

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.” 😍

[@OhioTropics]

They're fun plants for sure!

[@lilacKurage]

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

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it Andrea! :-)

[@niknik3366]

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

[@OhioTropics]

They're very fun! I hope you're enjoying them :-)

[@johnjwedrall4290]

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

[@OhioTropics]

Glad to help John!

[@maryoverton1126]

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

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Mary, and I wish you great success with your airplants! They're delightful! :-)

[@doncumberbatch6416]

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

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@theresacanez7549]

I am new starter, and your video is so helpful

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video :-)

[@anaco.]

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

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tonynelson7]

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

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@phoenixgal2278]

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!😇♥

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome!

[@dannisorchidjourney]

Great video. Thank you for the info. My plant is outside right now enjoying the storms passing through here in NE Ohio.

[@OhioTropics]

Danielle Sharp You're welcome! Your plants will love it!

[@twilaklense5202]

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 !!! :) :)

[@OhioTropics]

You're so welcome! Once you get the hang of them, they're easy :-)

[@muhammadhafiz257]

Great video. Very educational. I am a first timer. Thank you.

[@treetoptreetop2730]

So looking forward to purchasing these this spring. Will look great with my newly remodel 3 seasons porch

[@OhioTropics]

They're such fun plants! Good luck!

[@BulbaSims2]

Thank you so much for the info! Going to soak my new air plant for the first time now!!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Vero! Don't forget to gently shake excess water out after you soak them so that they don't rot. Indoors, we don't have the air circulation that is present outdoors, so this is important :-)

[@kennismctrillian]

I did not know that soft water was really bad for plants. Thank you so much!

[@OhioTropics]

You are very welcome Kennis!

[@eccremocarpusscaber5159]

Kennis McTrillian not in parts of the world that have naturally soft water. I’m from Scotland and most of water leaves no residue and comes like that. It’s definitely better for epiphytes.

[@rockylamotta8154]

Great vid! Will go back to Home Depot & get a fairly large xerographica now after watching your vid! Much appreciated!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed! :-)

[@rosiethurman7900]

I want one of those so bad!! I do have one and omg I’m so glad I watched bc I soaked it for like 10 min distilled water. I have one like the one on your grapevine. It’s just a small one. My first. Thanks for the video.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video Rosie!

[@floydiandreamscapes5145]

The best video on watering air plants. Caput Medusa? Soak or spray? In just starting, live in Vermont so they are inside.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it! I actually soak all of mine and they’re been fine. Just shake out excess water right after you soak them and it should be fine!

[@sheriburns3189]

Thanks for the soft water tip....this explains why I’ve killed so many of my air plants!

[@OhioTropics]

Well that clears that up! :-)

[@annaelouadihi498]

I have various air plants particularly a large Tillandsia Xerographica I live in a hard water area but have no real problems...I just dunk them in the bath for 3/4 hours every week and there blooming...as in I’ve had flowers too...as in this video it’s very important that you turn the plants upside down to drain any water inside otherwise this can rot your plant....after draining I spray with a Fertiliser...lovely sunny spot will help them flourish enjoy. Good Luck ❤️ Air Plants

[@OhioTropics]

Absolutely Anna! Sounds like you're doing a great job with yours!

[@priyarai9237]

Thank you so much. Very good video

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@yayungmiciq6998]

Thank you I actually soak my xerographica overnight a couple of times and in other times I let water sits in the middle of the plant every day. But to do that you need to make sure the middle of the plant is clean. Xerographica can do water-management by themselves.

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! If it's working for you, keep doing it :-)

[@brianfattig1491]

I just got my first Xerographica, so this was the perfect video for me. Another plant youtuber said that chlorine in tap water will absolutely kill xerographicas. This caused me to panic, as I had just watered my new one with tap water for the first time. So far it looks perfectly happy though. Thanks

[@OhioTropics]

I've been using tap water since I got it and I've had it for a couple years. You will be fine!

[@curlsbynat9763]

I just got 4 air plants and gave them a good soak for 30 minutes since they were in shipping. I use tap water as well.

[@OhioTropics]

That's great!

[@dakotahstr]

We have our own artesian well plus a water softener, I have no problem with the softener and all my indoor plants. I do however let the water sit overnight most time. The hot water is the only thing that is hooked up to the softener tho. Great video by the way will be subscribing. You have a lot of great info. thanks you.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@susanray975]

Needed this video.. very informative...

[@MaryPinkHair]

I just got mine in the mail from Amazon and they look and feel healthy.... smaller than a quarter in size which is exactly what I wished for. At first I was told only to spray them. Now I am hearing everywhere to soak them. LOL I find this a bit scary because where in nature are they ever gonna get soaked????? Seems to me if you faithfully spray them they should be ok. I still need to learn so much though and soaking isn't a problem as long as they respond well. I'll bet it will take a very long time for them to grow into impressive size plants.... until then I am keeping them all together in a shallow box so they can get light and air. It is an air plant nursery. :) Thank you for this video... I would love to have them displayed on a piece of wood like yours are. WOW

[@OhioTropics]

You're welcome Linda! My best advice is to trial things and observe. But if you think about it, most airplants (not counting xerographica) are from tropical locations with lots of rainfall. They go through periods of being soaked, and then drying out in between. Soaking will do a great job of really watering the plant well. You just have to make sure that you shake them out to remove any water that's stuck (especially indoors where air circulation is poor).

[@lilibethusalla5102]

How many times a week youwill soak the tillandsia , thank you for response .. from the Philippines

[@missmud2053]

You speak well very informative... thank you

[@OhioTropics]

You are very welcome

[@quiltindee]

Great video.. Learned so much. How do you attach upur air plants to the piece of wood? Thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

I've used a floral glue in the past and it has worked well. There are also special Tillandsia glues out there to that may work even better. One is called Tilly Tacker :-)

[@maureensmith4993]

I have hundreds of tillies, all mounted on wood or cork or in purpose made baskets. They are hanging on lattice , or on pergolas or on trees , so they only get misting daily in summer and twice weekly in winter. They are thriving. Couldn’t possibly do the singular dunking. But good advice for new enthusiasts. I live in Perth West Australia, where it gets over 40 d Celsius in summer. So they need dappled shade.

[@OhioTropics]

Ahhh that's wonderful! I'm sure it's quite a sight outdoors! Thanks for the note :-)

[@Teatime-mq6bv]

Hey, thank you! Great information and perfectly explained. I come from Europe and we have not had any rain for a longer time. And our house drinking water runs through a softener as in our area we have a lot of lime which kills all the machines. So, what to do? I have a small pond with a few Goldfisches but there may be gems in it…., I don know…. . That’s it with water. So what you’ll you recommend? My plants are very young and small including the green and the grey ones…. I think we have acrylic climate here but at the moment with a lot of sunshine. I kept them in a shadier area for one week with only morning sun…, let’s say from 6 am to 12. now I changed the to a sunny place. When temperature fall I will bring them in the house, but also there…, no southern window…. Also your plant lamps are not available here and it’s really difficult to decide for one. (It should not be too expensive, unfortunatley. Thousand thanks for all your information in that video🙏. Maybe you can give me a tip regarding the water….?

[@OhioTropics]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Why don't you try the pond water first and see how it goes? You can always get some filtered water and add some fertilizer in it too.

[@robinmarks5638]

This is very good! Thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you like it!

[@MsKuminz]

I am so glad I found you!!! I plan to watch more videos, visit you on Instagram and read your blog!!

[@OhioTropics]

Awww, so glad you enjoy my content!

[@marialeilanilindt3739]

keep doing and sharing videos of shat you do best!!! happy to see passionate people 🙏

[@OhioTropics]

Thanks for the encouragement :-)

[@madelstowe7989]

Thanks so much!! Super helpful and no-nonsense vid, really appreciate it

[@OhioTropics]

I'm so happy you enjoyed it! :-).

[@gogumarshmallow]

thank you! i learned a lot :) especially about the curling! going to water my new tillandsias because its super curly

[@OhioTropics]

You're so welcome!

[@tamarapounds1860]

Wow this was great information to have. I just bought my first air plant at, ironically, an Orchid show. I bought a Curly Slim and I love its curly tendrils and I’m hoping I can keep it growing until it’s large. The sample plant at the show was huge and was the sellers first plant. One question: can I save rain water and put it in a misting bottle to use when I need to? Thanks so much!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! And yes, that would work with the rainwater!

[@SSheriff49]

THANK YOU. I LOST TILLANSDIA TO OVER WATERING DURING A RECENT HEATWAVE IN INDIA. YOUR TIPS WILL HELP ME SAVE THE OTHERS.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad to help and good luck!

[@theresagomez2605]

Oh wow. During a heat wave in India, you probably don't need to water an airplant at all. (Unless you have it in direct sun) In Florida, these are a zero care plant. Any bromeliad grows with little to no care in tropical regions. The humidity is the perfect amount of water. Just check to see if you have a variety that prefers shade or sun. My pineapples love full sun. My cyanea likes to hide in the areca palms, where it gives a beautiful burst of color.

[@bradleymetler4918]

Thank you for such an informative video. Query: Xerograhica does not grow upside down in the wild, so how does it not rot after a rain? I presume the natural arid environment takes care of evaporating pooled water between the leaves. I plan to place a few Xerographica upright or sideways in an arid vivarium - can I get away with only spraying them and not remove them from the vivarium to shake them out? I would saturate them less than you did in your video, as to not have too much runoff into the vivarium. They would go under JungleDawn full spectrum LED grow lights in a 75-90 degree farenheight vivarium, less than 30% RH.

[@OhioTropics]

That's a great questions Bradley! In nature, these grow in a very arid environment like you mentioned and they mostly get their water from morning dew. And any water that collects will evaporate pretty quickly. I actually have a bunch of these now in my greenhouse and I mist them every morning and they're doing great! That would be a good approach for your vivarium. Just try not to let any water pool and you should be ok. Hope this helps a bit.

[@mooselips]

I assume that dehumidifier water is also fine, correct? I save that all summer to water my plants.

[@OhioTropics]

Yes I don't see why you couldn't use that!

[@keithsenkbeil1005]

Thank you! I just bought 3 and now know the differnce: cause it is not like I looked this all up before. But if I mount them on a piece of driftwood...I soak the whole driftwood piece with the plants? Then shake and leave to dry? I can't turn them upside down if they are mounted, but I can have them angled sideways....no one explains how to do this when they are mounted on the wood.

[@OhioTropics]

If you can't physically turn them upside down because of your set up, you'll just have to make sure that the water doesn't sit in the plant for a long time somehow. Increasing air circulation will help, but if there is a lot of water stuck, you might want to blow it out of the center of the leaves or blot it out with something absorbent. Good air circulation will also help!

[@dustysoda]

Hello! In regards to watering the xerographica, would you say using well water from under the ground is fine too? I live in California so we don't get too much rainfall here, but I do have a well access on my property

[@OhioTropics]

I would say it's probably fine to use!

[@_FERBONSAI]

El agua de osmosis es correcta para el riego?.

[@jen-dm4dm]

can I use a garden hose to gently spray the air plants?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes I don't see why not :-) Just make sure the water isn't too cold.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Great info!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed !

[@xtphans9587]

Forgive the ignorance, when you recommend soaking the air plants, do one submerge them completely in water, or halfway? Thank you.

[@OhioTropics]

I would submerge them completely :-).

[@adriennepretti4726]

Thank you very much. Very informative!!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Andrienne!

[@ashlynneshain4105]

I soak my Xeros for 30 mins once weekly and let them dry out for 4 hours upside down. They are doing amazing. The nursery I purchased them from said to do so.

[@6moonsofsaturn]

Same, with tap water, for over a year now. All have new growth and are healthy.

[@alisonjannuzi8641]

I've soaked mine, but I've noticed that the water turns green. are they losing chlorophyll? thanks. this was a great video

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! That seems unusual that the water turns green. I've never encountered that before!

[@MissAyanna85]

I am an big plant nerd and haven’t got a tillandsia yet. But I will in the next couple of days and I can’t wait for my baby’s to arrive 😍🤗❤️

[@OhioTropics]

You will have lots of fun with them! Good luck! :-)

[@MissAyanna85]

Is there anything I should really think about?

[@robertbuhrman-nightnova]

Hi I am watching your video because I have two Air plants and 6 on the way. Hydra, Teddy Bear, I forgot the name of the 6 coming. But they are Blue and spikey. Anyway I wanted to use the White sand from my Saltwater tank that has sat in a box for 30 years. but ?? No sodium. Will that hurt them ? I see a lot of ocean displays.

[@OhioTropics]

Sodium will hurt plants. If you want to use the sand, make sure you rinse it out really well.

[@theonghantan862]

Thanks for sharing.... Han from SINGAPORE

[@OhioTropics]

Thanks for visiting :-)

[@lindseyhofman475]

I was about to run out and buy distilled 😳 thank you for this video

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome!!! :-)

[@satchiebabe6052]

I was about to do the same 😬

[@tophjones8110]

@Rafael - I have a bloom/flower which has passed. What is the best way to promote another bloom, and should I cut this one off.?

[@OhioTropics]

Hi there! So each plant will only bloom once and then start a slow process of dying which can take many months if not longer. But your plant should start to produce pups at the base, and then you can raise those and get them to blooming size, and repeat the cycle all over again :-)

[@Arabhorselver92]

Well this explains a lot about why my airplants are dying( I have softened water) could you use like bottled spring water?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes spring water should be good!

[@truthtellerfreethinker7311]

I used tap water but my city doesn’t rain that much in Calgary Alberta Canada it did before in summer now is getting less.

[@OhioTropics]

It should be just fine!

[@pearltaylor1179]

Great,helpful information.Thank you.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful Pearl!

[@AthensPowers]

Awesome info

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@obxhippie]

I am using sand and pebbles from the ocean as the substrate to sit/tuck in the air plants, in a conch shell. Do you think the sand/pebbles need to be rinsed first?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes, I would definitely rinse the sand and pebbles really well to remove any salt. Sounds like a fun project!

[@ylangylang6198]

What is the hardness of tap water in your area? If the tap water is too hard and contains high calcium and magnesium salts, can I use tannin acid to remove them?

[@OhioTropics]

We have pretty hard water, but I don't treat it with anything and the plants are just fine. If you can harvest rainwater, it's probably the best thing!

[@ylangylang6198]

@@OhioTropics Thank you very much for your reply. I am hesitating whether to invest in a water softener, but I am afraid that the treated water will contain too much sodium. With your experience, I don’t have to buy soft water equipment anymore.

[@TmHudsonArt]

Is it safe to increase humidity around them by standing them on some gravel in a dish and putting a small amount of water in which doesn't come to the surface of the gravel so the plants are not in contact with it? Our house is quite dark but have an east facing window where they get nice indirect light but there's a radiator below it which can make it a bit warm and dry.

[@OhioTropics]

Yes absolutely! As long as the plant itself is not sitting in water, you should be just fine.

[@TmHudsonArt]

@@OhioTropics Thanks. I lost the smallest one....it literally just fell to pieces so must have rotted at the base. I ordered them thinking they were artificial ones and ended up with real ones lol....

[@carmaela2689]

I use distilled water and mine are so happy. I must use it on my calatheas as anything else upsets them and the air plants like it also. Rain doesn't have much in it either...much like distilled, save for some dissolved gasses and air pollutants. At least that is just my experience thus far and I know that is just anecdotal evidence. Great video and good advice.

[@carmaela2689]

I will add that in occasion, I do use a non urea based fertilizer so maybe that puts back in, what distilled may take out.

[@OhioTropics]

Thanks for the feedback! I think you're absolutely right. I just saw your comment below too about using the non-urea based fertilizer occasionally which I'm sure is helping.

[@T34ajhr]

@@carmaela2689 what fertilizer do you use? Thanking you in advance...I also want to continue using distilled y.

[@donavinnezar]

on the topic of distilled or RO theyre bad due to the l;ack of menerals if you use them on normal plants aswell it basically leeches nutrients from the soil (not all but leeching does happen)

[@29jensen17]

What about fertilicing air plants? I got a sptay fertilicer, specially made for tillandsias, is it not needed? I am a new subscriber from the nort of Europe, by the way.

[@OhioTropics]

Yes, it is a good idea to fertilize air plants for best growth and longevity! Welcome to my channel and I hope you enjoy it!

[@tamiweir8041]

Where do I buy a large one like that?

[@OhioTropics]

If you just search for Tillandsia xerographica online, there are plenty of nurseries that sell them. It should be easy to find.

[@kimberlycampbell2039]

Thank you so much for this!! Great information 👍🏻 🌱

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it Kimberly :-)

[@ruhsexperimentsgliesperimentid]

Very interesting, thanks!

[@OhioTropics]

My pleasure!

[@heartandsoulfunandmix3082]

Well said

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@robotech21]

That is very interesting. One thing I am missing is while is very important to shake off the excess water from the plant, in nature there is noone to do that. May be natural inviroment is more windy so the plant dry out faster....???

[@OhioTropics]

That's a great question! The main reasons are that there is air circulation outdoors (wind) and usually warmer temperatures, so these contribute to the plants drying out without it being a concern.

[@Pathrissia]

I have bought a fairly tall curly slim. Can I shower it instead of spraying it or soaking it?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes absolutely!

[@carogruz2372]

Great video! I recently got a Tillandsia Hybrid "curly slim" - Intermedia x Steptophylla. What watering method would you recommend, soaking or spraying? Also, when I bought it, it came in soil but I've removed it, since I noticed some bugs in there, and now the plant is just sitting on the shelf. Does this type of Tillandsia need to be in soil or is it gonna be okay without it?

[@OhioTropics]

These should not be growing in soil so you did the right thing! I would start off by soaking it once a week or so, and see how it responds. The leaves will get curlier and curlier as it get drier, so this can also be an indication of when to water!

[@eyrinleslietenney5421]

What if it's starting to bloom?! How would you water & dry the graphicas "big ones" (sorry for butchering the name!)? A few started to bloom, but quickly wilted. BUT there's a few purple "stems" (?) Coming up from the center still. I REALLY don't want to kill & miss the chance to see a bloom! Thank you SO very much! I've REALLY appreciated all your information & help!

[@OhioTropics]

You should still water the plant, but just avoid submerging the flower stalk :-). Keep in mind that once a tillandsia blooms, it will slowly die, but hopefully not before it produces more pups for you!

[@nathanswager6751]

I soak mine in old aquarium water, all those nitrites help in my experience.

[@OhioTropics]

Yes, it definitely is excellent to use for plants! If I had an aquarium, I would do the same 😃

[@christylilbit6334]

Just found your channel! ..... I now know why I've killed ALL my air plants in the past! I used distilled water for MONTHS.... made for a LONG, SAD, DRAWN OUT death. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong! And didn't want to try them again for fear I'd have the same outcome. Thanks for the great information!! I've acquired a new air plant..... Spanish moss...... I have a few questions.... How often would you recommend soaking this particular one, being so thin? And I'm assuming I don't have to worry about turning upside down but should still gently shake? Also would any house plant fertilizer cut in half (like I do for my houseplants) work? Or should I specifically pick up one for tillandsias? Thank you in advance! Great informative video also! I've subscribed!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video Christy! I've never grown Spanish moss personally, but you can start by either soaking it 2-3 times a week, or you can even mist it daily. I wouldn't worry as much about shaking it out. Just gently shake it a bit if you are soaking. Any houseplant fertilizer should work fine, but I would definitely dilute it to a quarter or half strength like you indicated. Good luck with your plants!

[@lindseykaufman4652]

I have soft water and not enough rain to collect. I buy spring water in a jug, hopefully that's my best option.

[@lindseykaufman4652]

Never thought to just put them outside when it rains. LOL tysm for this video, I needed the common sense reminder. 😅

[@OhioTropics]

We all need a reminder sometimes! There are no such things really has "house" plants, right? Houseplants evolved outdoors :-). Spring water will work just fine :-)

[@lilibethusalla5102]

How many times a week you will soak the tillandsia from the Philippines , thank you for the response

[@OhioTropics]

Do you have them indoors or outdoors?

[@juicycouture4704]

How many times do you fertilize?

[@OhioTropics]

I get lazy with fertilizing tillandsias, but you can fertilize them throughout the growing season and maybe refrain in the winter if you have dark winters.

[@juicycouture4704]

I fertilized when my air plants came through the mail and some died. Some still feel wet also after soaking the little ones. Once a month?

[@barbfroede1343]

Ok, I have a water softener. 😔 When it rains here, it’s never enough of a rain to collect. I can run them out if it rains, but I live at the beach, so humidity is never really an issue. I’m curious about fertilizing air plants. I collect orchids and use RO water or distilled water when I feed them. So can I use RO water? Do they need calcium and magnesium once in awhile or a 20-20-20 fertilizer at any point? Thank you Rafael. Excellent video! I’m dying to see the mounting video as I often mount my orchids.

[@OhioTropics]

Hi Barb! Many airplant growers don't advise using distilled or filtered water because they are largely devoid of nutrients. If you do use it, I would add some fertilizer to it. There are special fertilizers for tillandsias and bromeliads that you can use. This will also encourage more pups to form after the Tillandsias flower :-) Hope this helps.

[@DjinnDaisy]

I had my sprinkler system and hoses attached to my water softening system, we did it because my ex didn't want hard water stains on his car. Our garden thrived. Grass was fine and my garden was so healthy and happy. We lived in the mojave so the soft water was all my yard got. Roses, honey suckle, rosemary, veggies and herbs all did great. While sodium my be toxic to plants, water softening systems are not heavy enough in sodium to be as dangerous as he makes it sound. Don't use ocean water for sure. But your water softener will not kill your plants :)

[@orchinary5083]

I really don’t know why tap water is an option but in our area it is very very hard and once I used it and caused the leaves to burn. I use RO water and add magnesium and calcium plus little orchid fertiliser and have good result. I noticed that hard water is more dangerous for Spanish moss than on other tillandsia

[@goggleuser12]

I feel terrible. I've been soaking my 30+ air plants once weekly for 30 mins in well water with a water softener. I've had them for almost a month now, 3 being Queens. They seem to look ok, and feel strong. Think they'll be ok? Going to use spring water now after your video.

[@OhioTropics]

If they look fine, then you're good! I'm glad you stopped though. Just keep an eye on them :-)

[@sunnyh7175]

This video is really helpful! I received healthy air plants about a month ago and theyre already starting to get browner at the tips and have the symptoms of being dry, as you showed... But I just can't fathom that I'm not giving enough water! I leave tap water in a basin overnight, the next morning, I let my air plants soak upside down, making sure the tips are also getting water. After 2 hours, I take them out and shake them gently, lay them by the window in gentle sun to dry all afternoon. I repeat this every 3 days, and I also spray my air plants with water every day to give them a refresh........ Can't fathom that they're STILL dry after this! :( Do you have any tips?

[@OhioTropics]

Hm, do you know what kind of tillandsia(s) you have? Where exactly do you keep them for their growing location? What are the conditions? (Light, temperature, etc.).

[@robynnefukunaga1455]

I soak my plants in aquaponics water. I read that when you use pond or aquarium (or in my case, aquaponics) you don’t have to fertilize. Is this the case?

[@OhioTropics]

I'm not familiar with aquaponics, but I know that aquarium water is amazing for plants and you would not need to fertilize if you are regularly using it!

[@urbage]

How about aquarium and pond water?

[@OhioTropics]

Should be fine as long as you didn't add any treatment/medicine for sick fish or anything like that :-).

[@freyacoldheart4287]

What is your advice on watering the medusa air plant ? I've seen some say do NOT soak just dunk ,or mist only. Then others say soaking the medusa is fine. All I know is I don't want to kill mine! Thanks in advance ☺️

[@OhioTropics]

I still prefer to soak! Just make sure to turn it upside down after soaking and shake all the excess water out and you should be fine!

[@freyacoldheart4287]

@Ohio Tropics Houseplant Care thanks so much for your response. P.s. I signed up for your email tips & I am really enjoying those ! Thanks again!

[@clotinyourvein8863]

Thank you for your help :) what about boiled water?

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! You can use water after you have boiled it and let it cool.

[@IgorEngelen1974]

planning to use the on an indoor mini pond. does a wick like watering mechanism work?

[@OhioTropics]

You wouldn't want to use a wick-watering system with air plants since there is no soil or substrate. You'll need to water them using the methods described in the video.

[@siobhanrobson6318]

Hey there! I recently got myself some baby air plants, and I have attached them to a piece of wood that is hanging outside (I have very limited space for them to lie around). How do I drain them from the water? I am concerned that if I have put them on surface, the weight of the wood will crush them. Will just holding them upside down for a minute or 2 do the trick?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes that should do the trick, and also remember that there is air circulation outside so that will help them dry out faster than if they were indoors. Good luck!

[@madamplant]

This was the best info!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@Shandybrother]

Hi, I inherited a Tillandsia Latifolia but the greenness is fading and going brown in places. I was just told to spray it daily and monthly with fertiliser high k potash

[@OhioTropics]

What is the NPK of your fertilizer? Are you using it at full strength? What kind of light do you keep your plant in?

[@Shandybrother]

@@OhioTropics Hi, thanks for replying. I’m afraid I have no Idea as the fertiliser spray was given premixed. The plant was on a shelf in the living room but I have since moved it to a window where the light is much better. I’m hoping that will improve it. the browning are at the end where the plant is growing outward from.

[@audreymatson3128]

Thank you!!

[@OhioTropics]

You're welcome!

[@suzannet3806]

Thank you for this video and I guess I'll ditch the distilled water !! I have a question... I have several of the green tillandsias (like on your grapevine but mine are loose). I have them inside but do not know how much light they need to thrive and if it's morning east window light, south or west window? I live inland in southern CA (sunny, hot, dry) so I just haven't figured out where they'll be happiest.

[@OhioTropics]

You're welcome Suzanne! For those exposures, I would say try East. Morning sun is more gentle.

[@theresagomez2605]

These are great bathroom plants. They like low light and high humidity.

[@dcap9326]

So helpful!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful for you!