Question
QUESTION: Hello:
I brought a tillandsia a few weeks ago, about 5" tall, light green color leaves.  I water it 3 times a week under running rap water (like a minute) and put it about 2 feet from the window.  It's is getting sunlight but i don't know if it's enough. the plant is looking healthy but lately i notice some some red spots under the leaves and the base of the leaves is turning a little bit red.  Is there anything wrong? maybe I shouldn't use tap water? thanks
min

ANSWER: Hi Min,

If you do a Google Image search for Tillandsia, you will be surprised at any many different kinds of Tillandsia there are and surprised that they are even related to one another. I cannot really diagnose your Tillandsia problem without knowing which Tillandsia species you have and without seeing a photo of the red spots you are observing. You can post a photo here or email one to me at [email protected].

The light is probably okay as long as the window faces west or south and is completely uncovered through the day. Tap water is okay as long as it is not hard. If it is, then use filtered or distilled water.

Watering frequency depends on what material it is potted in and the size of the pot.

~Will Creed

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi!
I search the web, i believe is brachycaulos.  i live in san francisco, i don't know the tap water here is hard or soft? I guess my plant might not be getting enough light. i only open the blind when I am home.
thanks
Min

ANSWER: Hi Min,

Thanks for the additional information.

All Tillandsias need lots of light, so unless you are usually home during the day, then yours is definitely suffering from inadequate light. T. brachycaulos gets a nice reddish color when it is exposed to good sunlight. The red spots on yours may be its desperate attempt to become red, but it lacks enough light to do so.

If your tap water is good enough to drink and you don't require a water softener to make soap lather, then your water quality is probably fine. Be careful not to over water. A once per week watering should be plenty.

I have written an article on Bromeliad care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for info.  Can you please email me a copy of Bromeliad care to my email .
just one more question, i read some info online that the plant need to be water 2-3 times a week and soak in water for couple of hours. Is this too much?
thanks

Answer
Hi Min,

I do not have access to your email address (or anyone else's). Therefore, you have to email me a request so I have a return email address to send my article on Bromeliad care. Email me at [email protected].

There is a great deal of amateurish and terribly incorrect information Online. What you have read about watering a Bromeliad is an example of that. In most instances a weekly watering is adequate. Never leave a plant soaking in water for hours at a time.

~Will