How to care for your curly Tillandsia

How to care for your curly Tillandsia

Our tips for helping it grow healthy and strong

The curly Tillandsia, also known as "Shirley Temple", is an epiphytic plant native to Mexico and Central America. In our nursery, this air plant is appreciated 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 soil-filled pot.

The right spot

The curly Tillandsia loves bright, indirect light. It is important to place it 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 indicate excessive sun exposure, so move it to an area with more diffused light.

Illustrated guide: place the curly Tillandsia near a window with indirect light
The right spot for your plant

When and how to water it

The curly Tillandsia requires regular misting to maintain proper 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.

Annual watering schedule for the curly Tillandsia, with different frequencies in summer and winter
The watering schedule throughout the year

Temperature and humidity

This plant thrives in an environment with temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, but it can tolerate up to 35 degrees. Humidity should be high, ideally between 50% and 70%. Good air circulation is essential to prevent rot.

Thermometer with an ideal temperature range and humidity bar for the curly Tillandsia
Comfortable temperature and humidity

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, 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

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

Curly Tillandsia is propagated by dividing offsets. When the offsets reach half the size of the mother plant, they can be carefully separated to grow new plants. This operation requires some care, but it is a rewarding way to expand your collection.

Our final tip

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

This data comes 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 · every 30 days
Propagation
Offset division · Moderate · Offsets can be separated when they reach half the size of the mother plant.
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