Tillandsia Tectorum Air Plant

The Tillandsia Tectorum truly is a striking air plant. With its snowy white leaves I like to refer to it as "The Snowball". It is a rarer air plant to find, and is one of the best air plants for those who tend to forget to water their plants.

This extra adorable air plants features layers of the softest, fuzziest leaves. Absolutely unlike any other air plant. The silvery-white colored "fuzz", also known as trichomes, naturally reflects sunlight, which essentially shields the plant from direct sunlight to help it from drying out.

LIKES //

The Tillandsia Tectorum resembles that of a desert plant, and does not require any soakings, only mistings 2-3 times a week. It prefers drier, less humid, warmer environments.

This air plant is particularly special and can go long periods of time without water. It does look much better with regular mistings though. Following a heavy misting or a rinse, make sure that you gently shake off the excess water and turn the plant upside down to dry completely. The sitting water can lead to mold or rotting.

It thrives with partial sunlight and plenty of air circulation. Because of its desert properties, it is also one of the few varieties that can handle direct sunlight as well.

DISLIKES //

Soaks that last too long, trapped water in between its leaves - so after a soaking or a heavy misting, make sure you turn it upside down and shake the excess water free. You can leave the air plant upside down until it is fully dry before placing it back in its home.

WHERE IS IT FROM //

The Tillandsia Tectorum can be found in the high mountains of the Andes of Ecuador and in the coastal deserts of Peru. It is also known as lithophyte, which means it is often found naturally grows on rocks.

COMPATIBLE WITH //

Himmeli: Diamond, Prism, Orb, Teardrop, Double Teardrop, Heart, all of the Wall Sconces

FLOWER //

In the spring, if your Tectorum is mature, it will produce a lovely lavender colored flower.

Do you have any other questions about this incredibly interesting air plant or any other air plants? Feel free to view my Introduction to Air Plant Care or my Air Plant Care Series.