I have several different types of air plants, all of them near windows that get very bright, but not in direct sunlight. They're in various glass dishes and get watered once a week (every 7-10 days), a 10-20 minute soak in tap water that has sat out for at least 24 hours to evaporate chlorine, etc. After soaking, they sit on either a towel or paper towel until completely dry.

However, they continue to look a little dry. I have an aeranthos and the purple/pink flowers are bright for maybe a day after watering, and then dull quickly. Is it okay to soak them twice a week? They are in low-humidity rooms, but I don't feel comfortable misting them in case they rot/mold.

Don't soak them at all. Hold them under the faucet every day, shake the extra moisture and put them back in their usual places.

I've never had good luck with them unless in a vivarium.

Best results in bathrooms (humidity) with indirect window light and occasional mistings.

I know Daisy doesn't recommend soaking, but it has worked well for me. It is very dry here, hot and dry in the summer, cool and dry in the winter. I only have two Tillandsias, so I'm hardly and expert, but they've been doing well for several years. Right now it's hot and dry. I soak them for 20 minutes every day. They sit in open dishes, so naturally dry off quickly. I'll only soak them once or twice a week when the weather cools off. Misting or rinsing, even daily, was just not enough. I've had no sign of mold or rot.
Just FYI, I've heard that most city water systems no longer treat the water with liquid chlorine. If you can't smell bleach in the water, it isn't necessary to leave it sit before using it. Any water experts out there who could confirm this?

Most municipalities used to use a form of chlorination that could evaporate. Now most use a form that can not evaporate, so letting water sit will not remove the chlorination.

This plant has never been soaked, just misted whenever I think about it, as often as daily sometimes, and when I water the plant, I pour water all over the air plant too.

MsDoe said:I know Daisy doesn't recommend soaking, but it has worked well for me. It is very dry here, hot and dry in the summer, cool and dry in the winter. I only have two Tillandsias, so I'm hardly and expert, but they've been doing well for several years. Right now it's hot and dry. I soak them for 20 minutes every day. They sit in open dishes, so naturally dry off quickly. I'll only soak them once or twice a week when the weather cools off. Misting or rinsing, even daily, was just not enough. I've had no sign of mold or rot.
Just FYI, I've heard that most city water systems no longer treat the water with liquid chlorine. If you can't smell bleach in the water, it isn't necessary to leave it sit before using it. Any water experts out there who could confirm this?

I've been soaking every 2-3 days and they're doing so much better!!

Good to hear! ; )

MsDoe said:I know Daisy doesn't recommend soaking, but it has worked well for me. It is very dry here, hot and dry in the summer, cool and dry in the winter. I only have two Tillandsias, so I'm hardly and expert, but they've been doing well for several years. Right now it's hot and dry. I soak them for 20 minutes every day. They sit in open dishes, so naturally dry off quickly. I'll only soak them once or twice a week when the weather cools off. Misting or rinsing, even daily, was just not enough. I've had no sign of mold or rot.
Just FYI, I've heard that most city water systems no longer treat the water with liquid chlorine. If you can't smell bleach in the water, it isn't necessary to leave it sit before using it. Any water experts out there who could confirm this?

Daisy recommends whatever works for you.

Tillandsias naturally grow in very humid areas. Instead of misting, placing Tillandsia in another potted plant (as Tiffany suggested) or on a humidity tray - that will raise the humidity much better than misting periodically. Bathrooms are a great place for them. MsDoe, try putting some orchid bark and a little water in the bottom of those open dishes.

I didn't suggest others do what I have done, but just reporting that it has gone well. I've had that plant since 2012 or '13.

I do it all the time. Sometimes they root into the bark, sometimes just sit and enjoy the humidity from the plant.

I took a new pic of mine this morning after watering. T. ionantha. At the top you may be able to see the aerial roots that are attached to the tree trunk (Dracaena marginata.)

SaiLeigh said:


I've been soaking every 2-3 days and they're doing so much better!!

Good growing! Glad your plants endured and recovered. With my tilly's if they are in bloom I do not soak them, just misting..if not in bloom and it is summertime I mist/shower them often outdoors in shade. They really like lots of airflow. There are times when I also soak them but only during summer. By winter they are all brought indoors and misted as needed. It is kind of taking care of them like orchids..warmth, enough light, good airflow. Have to be extra careful as seasons change. Adjustments to be made in watering and making sure they are kept warm but not too dry indoors when heaters are running by then. Good luck and happy growing with your tilly's. Also since your plant has bloomed..it will be a swan song phase..so hopefully it makes new pups before mother plant fades away.

tarev said:
Also since your plant has bloomed..it will be a swan song phase..so hopefully it makes new pups before mother plant fades away.

But not immediately. Tillandsia sometimes live on for years, growing new pups to replace themselves. By the time the mother plant dies, you may not notice her passing.

My Tilly has the best winter light this winter of all of the years it has come inside to hide from winter. 2 blooms are out and I see another one forming.