Tillandsia xerographica
Tillandsia xerographica
King of Air Plants
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Taxonomy
Family Bromeliaceae · Genus Tillandsia
Description
Tillandsia xerographica, the famed “King of Air Plants,” forms a sculptural silver rosette that looks stunning on shelves and mounts. It thrives with bright, filtered light, good airflow, and occasional soaking—no soil required. Slow-growing and long-lived, it eventually blooms once and rewards you with pups to keep the display going.
Common Names
King of Air PlantsXerographica Air PlantSilver Rosette Tillandsia
Context
nativeRegion
Semi-arid dry forests and thorn scrub of southern Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca), Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
usdaZones
10–12 (outdoors year-round); grow indoors elsewhere.
companionPlants
Tillandsia ionantha, Tillandsia capitata, Tillandsia streptophylla, Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss), Neoregelia spp., Platycerium (Staghorn fern), Orchid species (e.g., Phalaenopsis)
culturalUses
Highly valued for interior design, mounted displays, and floral work; widely cultivated due to past overcollection concerns and trade regulation (CITES Appendix II).
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, filtered light to several hours of gentle morning sun. Indoors, place near a south or west window with sheer curtain; outdoors, bright shade.
WateringSoak 15–30 minutes every 7–14 days; in hot/dry conditions, mist between soaks. Always shake/tip upside down to drain and dry fully within 4 hours. Use rain/RO/filtered water; avoid softened water.
SoilNone. Epiphytic—mount on wood, cork, or wire with free airflow. Do not pot in soil or enclose in airtight containers.
FertilizerFeed monthly in spring–summer with 1/8–1/4 strength bromeliad or epiphyte fertilizer. Rinse with plain water occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Humidity40–60% ideal with strong airflow. Tolerates drier air if light is bright and soaking is consistent.
TemperatureIdeal 60–90°F (16–32°C). Protect from frost; avoid prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitLarge, sculptural, xeric epiphytic bromeliad forming a tight silver rosette; monocarpic.
Mature SizeRosette 12–24 in (30–60 cm) across, occasionally to 36 in; inflorescence up to ~20–30 in tall.
Growth RateSlow.
BloomingBlooms once after several years; long-lasting pink to coral bracts with lavender/purple tubular flowers. Produces pups after flowering.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in winter and low light.
Propagation
MethodsOffsets (pups), Seed
DifficultyEasy via pups; challenging via seed (very slow—5–8+ years to maturity).
Best SeasonSpring to summer; detach pups during warm, active growth after bloom.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningGently remove dry outer leaves. After flowering, cut the spent spike near the base once pups are visible. Separate pups when they reach 1/3–1/2 the size of the mother plant.
RepottingNot potted; remount or re-secure as needed every few years to accommodate growth. Ensure the base remains open to airflow.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for mealybugs and scale; treat with isopropyl swabs or insecticidal soap and rinse. Prevent rot by ensuring quick drying and good airflow. Avoid copper-based products.
ToxicityNon-toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause mild GI upset. Handle gently to avoid leaf damage.
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