Basic rule for growing tillandsias: never place them inside glass orbs.

I bought mine in the glass orbs so what would I put then in. I would be very specific please l. Not like some one told me girty mix, well what is gritty mix?

Hi everyone.

Akerman Flooring - Although I'm a bromeliad grower, I only have basic knowledge about Tillandsias and what I know I have observed from friends who grow these plants.

The most important thing I see here in Australia is that they grow better "ON SOMETHING" rather than "IN SOMETHING".

You need to understand they are natural epiphytes (Grow on other things) in habitat and the most important thing is that they require an environment with an abundance of circulating air, hence the common name "Air Plants". e.g. See picture below of Till. recurvata growing on on power lines in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Although they are grown around the world in glass orbs and glued to ornaments of different types, this is just a "decorative thing" and not necessarily the best way to grow them. My personal view is that you're always better to try and follow what happens in nature.

If you simply type "Tillandsia Culture" into Google, you will find numerous articles which should answer all of your questions.

All the best, Nev.

Just a remark: that plant in orb is already dead.

It does look like it's on its last trichomes... maybe a long soak in clean water (a few hours at least) might revive it. Good thing starter plant, like packages of ionanthas, are rather inexpensive and available from many sources. I note the poster may be in New Hampshire. I always wish I could find new Tillandsia fans here in Albuquerque so I could help them out... :\