I see two possible problems. The sphagnum moss may be rotting the plants at their base - they cannot tolerate constant moisture. Second, there may still not be enough humidity. It could also be a combo of the two! If I had to bet money, I would suspect the sphagnum moss. But if you have central heat, the air is dryer than in many deserts and a humidifer may not do enough.

Next time try mounting without sphagnum, but instead put the whole piece of wood in water for at least an hour, about every 5 days. If you still have problems, you will know it's the humidity. Tillandsias are not ideal house plants.

Hmmm, thought I'd responded to this already but my post apparently went to another forum. Anyway, thanks for your insights. In hindsight, I realize that you are right - they are simply rotting. Tillandsias have proven to be among the most challenging plants I've tried (and failed) to grow, and I may just give up trying. But if I do try them again, I'll try to follow your suggestions.

Thanks,

cranebill

It seems a shame that you are giving up on tillandsia. I grow mine inside in the winter also. Except for 1 plant none of mine are mounted.They are growing along with my orchids(helps with humidity?). All I do for care is toss them into a bucket of aged water every other day for a few minutes.They seem to be fine.I keep Superthrive plant vitamins in a dilute form in this water-maybe that makes a difference?

I would guess that they are rotting and not getting enough water. Tillandsia need to dry out between waterings, this is why the moss could lead to rot.

When you water, they need to be really, really wet. Misting might be enough if you live in a humid area. I don't, so I completely submerge mine overnight. I've left them like that for up to 12 hrs (I forgot about them) with no ill effects. In the winter, I do this every 2-3 days. If I spray them daily, then I don't need to submerge them quite so often, 5-6 days.

I feed them 1/4 strength "epyphites delight" every now and then, and they love it.

Tilly's are great plants, don't give up.