Troubleshooting
Air plant problems — and how to fix them
Air plant (Tillandsia) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown crispy leaf tips
Under-watering; lengthen soaks or mist between.
Soft black centre
Crown rot from not drying after soaking — fatal once it spreads.
Plant falls apart
Either rot or natural die-back after flowering; check for pups at the base.
Faded leaves
Too much direct sun; move further from the window.
Prevent air plant problems before they start
Most air plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Air plant problems — FAQ
Why is my air plant brown crispy leaf tips?
Under-watering; lengthen soaks or mist between.
Why is my air plant soft black centre?
Crown rot from not drying after soaking — fatal once it spreads.
Why is my air plant plant falls apart?
Either rot or natural die-back after flowering; check for pups at the base.
Why is my air plant faded leaves?
Too much direct sun; move further from the window.