General Care Tillandsias
This page is meant as a few notes for taking care of tillandsias (from here on called tills).
Firstly, not all tills are best mounted. In general most silver plants grow well mounted, some may grow better in pots, & some may perish in pots - if you don't know which your plant prefers, it is usually better to try them mounted. Green tills generally grow better in pots, but may be grown mounted. Beware of the exceptions - keep an eye on your newly acquired plants.
Few tills thrive in a fully exposed position in the warmer months. Some require overhead coverage in winter, so they don't stay cold & wet in winter. It is best to grow a newly acquired plant in shade, under a fixed roof so that you can regulate the watering until you can find how this plant performs in your climate. (Always remember that books usually give information particular to the area of the grower, and so cannot always be trusted for your location.)
While most tills are OK to grow outside, there are some which are tropical. If unsure when acquiring new plants, ask the owner of the plant for further information on how he/she has grown the plant.
When hanging tills always watch the drip from treated pine or galvanized iron - the drip from these will kill or severely damage bromeliads (including tills).
Mounting
- Use a mount which is free of oils, or chemicals - or salt (leach driftwood of salts before using).
- Most tills like to be mounted upright. Many tolerate being upside down, and some are happy any way you put them. If in doubt point the vase, or the centre of the plant, upwards.
- Use plastic coated wire or strips of elastic material (eg. strips of stockings) to fasten your plant to the mount.
- It is best to use a glue to adhere your plant to the mount. Beware some glues, such as some silicones, will kill some tills. We recommend Selley's Liquid Nails, Selley's Acrylic, or any PVA recommended for external situations
- such as Liquid Nails. Hot glue guns adhere at first, but the glue has a short life, and the plants fall off. Make sure the clue contacts the stem of the plant, and allows water to run away.
Tills prefer a light, shaded position. Most will not tolerate growing in a dark position - and, at the least, will not thrive.
These plants are usually more exposed to the elements than most other plants being hung up. They have nowhere, externally, to keep the water while they absorb it like a potted plant does (ie. in the soil). The plant dries out with air movement - especially hot dry air. It is necessary to replace this water - they are not "air plants". The foliage will take up water, and in the warmer months it is necessary to water the plant thoroughly - light misting is likely to not be sufficient. Many people use a misting bottle, but we recommend using a hose or running the till under the tap. In colder weather (when not placed near a heater) winter watering is usually every 2-4 weeks depending on the weather & plant.
After Fathers Day watering should be increased until summer when watering should be at least twice a week (more or less depending on the species/hybrid). Then around Mothers Day it is time to start backing off to a winter watering regime. Remember that instructions on watering are very conditional - every location is different, even within the same property.
Growing tillandsias can provide many years of enjoyment. The culture and care of plants varies a lot due to the conditions you grow them under. Any person giving you advice is doing so as the result of their experience, in their own conditions. It is worth listening to this advice but never treat it as gospel. Always watch how your plant is growing in your conditions, and react accordingly. There is an immense amount of pleasure to be gained by watching your plant grow to its full potential in your own care.
The Bromeliad Society of Victoria is one of the best places to learn about these plants, and source new ones. The members make plants available for purchase at meetings and shows. Meetings are usually on the 4th Wednesdays of Feb, April, June, Aug, & Oct and there are additional meetings scheduled in other months, usually on Sunday afternoons.
Membership enquiries can be directed to the addresses below:
BSV Inc. Contacts
MAIL PO Box 101, Darling VIC 3145
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/groups/198663673628029/
WEBSITE http://bromeliad.org.au/ then, CLUB NEWS, Victoria
