Air Plant Tillandsia xerographica

Xerographic air plant is a tropical, epiphytic, evergreen herbaceous perennial in the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). It is native to dry tropical areas of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador and grows in the upper branches of tall trees. The reference of the epithet, meaning “dry writing or drawing” is obscure.

This plant can be grown indoors or outside in mild climates. It is a tropical plant intolerant of frost. It requires bright light but not full sunlight. A south-facing window should be sufficient. Soak the plant in water for 15 minutes every 1 or 2 weeks. In the winter it can be soaked monthly. In a home, the heating and air conditioning can affect humidity, and the plant might need more watering.  Just be sure to shake out the plant and let it dry upside-down soaking to prevent crown rot. You can also add liquid fertilizer (diluted to half-strength or less) to the water once or twice a month to encourage growth, pup formation and flowering. 

Xerographic air plant is one of the larger air plants commonly in cultivation. The stunning silvery gray, curling leaves are reason enough to grow this plant. If you are lucky, the plant will produce a flower stalk that can be 1 to 3 feet tall with a showy spike of green to yellow or orange-red, long-lasting bracts. The flowers are small and not showy. The plants bloom once in their lifetime and only when conditions are right.

The plant can be grown outdoors in the appropriate hardiness zones, or grow it as a houseplant. Indoor plants can spend summer months outside in the shade of a tree or pergola. Be sure to bring them inside when the weather turns cool. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant is not troubled by pests or diseases.

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