Description
About Tillandsia filifolia
Tillandsia filifolia is a Mexican and Central American species with leaves as fine as thread. The name means thread-leaved. Dozens of dark green filaments radiate from a small base.
The colour is the difference. Most fine-leaved air plants are silver; filifolia is deep green, because it has fewer trichomes. That also means it wants more water.
The bloom is a slender branched spike with pale violet flowers, delicate to match the leaves.
We grade it from 2.5-inch smalls to 6-inch extra-larges, plus clumps of two or more plants.
Filifolia is a texture plant. In a display it reads as a soft green tuft, and it contrasts with silver species and stiff-leaved plants. It is also one of the better species for humid terrarium work.
Growing Tillandsia filifolia: Care Guide
Filifolia likes humidity and airflow at the same time, which is the combination that keeps it looking its best. Water it more often than a silver plant, keep it out of harsh sun, and never let it sit in still, wet air. It is the one plant on this list that will sulk in a dry, heated room in winter; if the tips brown, move it somewhere more humid and mist more often. A bathroom window suits it well.
- Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid hot direct sun.
- Water: Soak 20 minutes every 7 days. Mist between soaks.
- Drying: Shake and hang. Fine leaves dry within an hour or two.
- Airflow: Constant gentle airflow.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F. No frost.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer. It responds quickly.
- Mounting: Glue the base to wood or cork. It suits open terrariums.
- Pups: Two or three pups after bloom.
Read our air plant care guide, or browse more Air Plants.
