A Simple Guide to Growing and Caring for Harrisii Air Plant

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The Tillandsia harrisii is an air plant variety that has a robust look. This forgiving plant has silvery leaves. To keep them plump and fluffy, just water them frequently. Harrisii air plants are low maintenance. Tillandsia harrisii belongs to the genus Tillandsia. In 1987, Renate Ehlers provided a more detailed explanation about this particular species.

Tillandsia harrisii originated in Central America, particularly in Guatemala. Commonly, this plant exists in an area with an altitude between 0 and 500 meters above sea level. It has a medium stem with thick leaves forming into a rosette. Its leaves are in greenish-white. This plant can produce more or less ten flowers.

This extraordinary air plant takes its name from a Tillandsia fanatic who was killed in Guatemala in 1985. It can grow more than 8 inches tall and shows red inflorescence where its stunning purple flowers will bloom. Keep in mind that these plants are slow-growing. This means that you won’t see them bloom for a long period, but it’s truly worthwhile!

Tillandsia harrisii can endure some full sun, however, it is generally recommended that you have to provide them with bright indirect light. You should also water them at least once a week. These plants favor good airflow and can survive in low to moderate humidity since it has lots of trichomes.

Harrisii air plant can look excellent when placed in a bowl, terrarium, or attached to any piece of bark. As they become larger, they start to bloom. You can place them on a shelf or top of your table so you can marvel at its beautiful flowers! If you want to buy one of these species, then you can find them online.

Caring for Harrisii Air Plant

The Tillandsia harrisii does not need any soil, simply provide them with lots of sunlight, water, and air. Air plants require indirect sunlight. You might keep them in a low light room but only for a short period of time. However, it is fine to expose them to direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon. Consequently, this can even help in making the leaves look brighter. You can combine them with rocks, sand, shells, or sea glass but never use soil, moss or any absorptive materials on them. Here is a guide on how to care for your Harrisii air plant.

Soil

Air plants can survive without any soil since you only need their bare root. In growing your plant, you could use non-absorptive materials such as rocks, sand, or glass beads. You could display them as is or you could attach them to any objects with wire. Although it is not necessary, yet you could apply epiphyte/orchid fertilizer or a mild dilution of balanced fertilizer on them. Doing this every 2 to 3 months can promote its growth and flowering.

Light

The best area for your Harrisii air plant is near bright windows or skylights so they can receive lots of indirect light. Although they can tolerate direct sun temporarily in the morning or late afternoon. You could also place in low-light rooms but not for a long period.

Hardiness

Air plants can survive indoors with room temperature. However, they can also be grown outdoors in areas with zone 10 climates. They could be more vulnerable to drought when placed in an environment with more than 100F. Hence, it is ideal to grow them indoors throughout the year.

Water

The Tillandsia harrisii requires more water and can easily adjust to humid rain forests. There are three ways of watering this plant. First, you can simply mist them at least 3 to 7 times a week. Another method would be to soak them once a week for 1 to 2 hours. Lastly, you could submerge them entirely for 2 to 4 times each week. You need to shake them to remove the excess water and provide them with sufficient airflow to keep them dry within 4 hours. This can help in preventing rot.

Propagation

Although it could take years before Harrisii air plant can generate offsets after flowering. Most often, it will appear at the base of a parent plant. These pups will develop into clumps. If you want to separate these pups, then you can simply take away the clump once the pups have grown. These pups need to be watered diligently.

How to Identify Harrisii Air Plant?

Air plants can grow without needing any soil, making them great for any indoor space with bright or medium light. These stunning epiphytes are perfect for your home or office. They have an exotic look, unique fragrance, spectacular flowers, and various arrangement options.

This air plant comes in different varieties including green, white, pink, and purple. Exposing them to direct sunlight for a short period can make them look brighter. The leaves could either be thin or broad and includes a coating of short hairs that soak up water. Usually, they have a fluffy appearance, however, some varieties have wavy leaves. When there is less water, its leaves will swirl tighter.

Harrisii air plants can grow lots of leaves. In some varieties, the roots will appear. These roots can be used when attaching the plant to a tree. Although it is still fine if you have a rootless air plant. If your air plant is properly cared for, then it will produce flowers at least once in its lifetime. These fragrant and beautiful blooms come in different colors including pink, yellow, purple, or white. When they are done flowering, then you can simply cut the dry flowers at its base.

Air plants are very easy to grow. They are colorful, unique and low maintenance. If ever you encounter a problem in growing air plants, then its probably because they lack water, light, or airflow. Simply change the conditions and most likely the air plant can quickly recover. Harrisii air plant is the best houseplant for plant lovers as well as for beginners.

If you need more details about growing air plants and succulents, then you can find some tips at Eden Succulents. We offer valuable information to help you enjoy growing your plants. If you have a unique experience that you want to share, then please let us know in the comments below.

When deciding where to put your Tillandsia bulbosa, keep in mind that their natural habitat is relatively humid. That said, it will not tolerate a very dry environment. Consider putting it in your kitchen or bathroom where there is still adequate air circulation to prevent the growth of molds and fungus.