Tillandsia Air Plants
Buy Tillandsia air plants online in India — 10 varieties including Ionantha, Stricta and Funkiana. No soil, no substrate — mount anywhere. Sold in sets of 3, shipped nationwide. Tillandsia is the largest bromeliad genus (650+ species), and includes the famous air plants that grow completely without soil, absorbing water and nutrients through specialised leaf scales called trichomes.
What is Tillandsia?
Tillandsia (pronounced till-AND-see-ah) is a genus of ~650 species in the Bromeliaceae family, native to a huge range from Central and South America to the southern US. Most Tillandsias are aerial epiphytes — in the wild they grow attached to tree branches, telephone wires, cactus spines and rocks, taking everything they need from the air and rain. Perfect for driftwood mounts, wall art, open terrariums and vivariums.
Two Tillandsia types
- Xeric Tillandsias — silver-grey leaves with dense trichomes; from arid habitats. Brighter light, less water, weekly soaking. (e.g. T. stricta ‘Silver’)
- Mesic Tillandsias — greener smoother leaves, fewer trichomes; from humid rainforests. Moderate light, more frequent misting. (e.g. T. ionantha, T. funkiana)
Tillandsia varieties in our range
How to care for Tillandsia air plants
Two watering options that both work — pick whichever suits your routine:
- Misting: spray thoroughly with clean water every other day. Best for daily-attention growers.
- Soaking: submerge the whole plant in dechlorinated water for 20–30 minutes once a week. Shake off excess water and let dry upside down for an hour before returning to display. Best for busy growers.
Care essentials
- Water: mist every other day OR soak weekly with dechlorinated water
- Light: bright filtered light — never direct midday sun (bleaches the trichomes)
- Airflow: essential — they need to dry within a few hours of each watering
- Temperature: 15–30°C ideal
- Substrate: none needed. Mount to driftwood, cork bark, shells, or hang free.
Full care: Bromeliad Care Guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do you water an air plant?
Either mist every other day, or soak the whole plant in dechlorinated water for 20–30 minutes once a week. Shake off excess water and let dry upside down for an hour before returning to display. Never let water sit in the leaf base.
Do air plants really grow without soil?
Yes — Tillandsias absorb all water and nutrients through their leaves via microscopic scales called trichomes. Roots are for anchoring only. No pot, no soil, no substrate required.
Do air plants need direct sunlight?
No — bright filtered light is ideal. Direct midday sun burns the trichomes and damages the plant. Near a bright east or north window is perfect for Indian homes.
Do air plants bloom?
Yes — mature Tillandsias produce colourful bloom spikes. Tillandsia Ionantha blushes deep red before its violet flower. After bloom, the mother produces pups that form clumps over time.
Where can I mount air plants?
Anywhere with airflow and bright light: driftwood, cork bark, shells, ceramic ornaments, wire wall frames, glass baubles. Avoid closed terrariums (they need drying airflow).
