How to care for your curly Tillandsia
How to care for your Tillandsia riccia
Our tips for helping it grow healthy and strong
The Tillandsia riccia, also known as "Shirley Temple", is an epiphytic plant native to Mexico and Central America. In our nursery, this air plant is valued for its ability to live without soil, making it a fascinating and versatile choice for anyone who wants a touch of greenery at home without a traditional pot of soil.
The right place
The Tillandsia riccia loves bright, indirect light. It is important to place it somewhere where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed directly to sunlight, which could damage it. If you notice the leaves turning brown, this could be a sign of excessive sun exposure, so move it to an area with more diffuse light.
When and how to water it
The Tillandsia riccia requires regular misting to maintain the right level of hydration. In summer, we recommend misting it every 7 days, while every 14 days is sufficient in winter. Make sure the leaves are dry within 4 hours of watering to prevent rot.
Temperature and humidity
This plant thrives in an environment with temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, but can tolerate up to 35 degrees. Humidity should be high, ideally between 50% and 70%. Good air circulation is essential to prevent rot.
The right fertilizer
During spring and summer, you can fertilize your curly Tillandsia every 30 days with a liquid fertilizer specifically for epiphytes. This will help the plant maintain its vigor and grow healthily.
The pot and soil
As an air plant, the curly Tillandsia does not need soil. You can place it on decorative supports that allow good air circulation around the plant.
It lives without soil
The curly Tillandsia, like all air plants, lives without soil. It requires regular misting and good air circulation to prevent rot. You can place it on decorative supports that allow good exposure to indirect light.
How to propagate it
The curly Tillandsia is propagated by dividing offsets. When the offsets reach half the size of the mother plant, they can be carefully separated to create new plants. This operation requires some care, but it is a rewarding way to expand your collection.
Our final advice
The curly Tillandsia is a plant that brings an exotic and innovative touch to your space. With the right care and attention, it will reward you with its unique beauty and ability to adapt to different environments. Don't forget to ensure good air circulation and enjoy watching it grow!
— Giulia's Gardens
Verified care data
These data come directly from the validated botanical profile used to generate the guide.
- Light
- medium-high · Bright indirect light
- Watering
- 7 days in summer · 14 days in winter · Misting · Leaves must be dry within 4 hours
- Temperature
- 15 °C ideal minimum · 30 °C ideal maximum · 10 °C tolerated minimum · 35 °C tolerated maximum
- Humidity
- high · 50% minimum · 70% maximum
- Fertilization
- Liquid fertilizer for epiphytes · spring–summer · 30 days
- Propagation
- Offset division · Moderate · Offsets can be separated when they reach half the size of the mother plant.