Troubleshooting
Reichenbach's Air Plant problems — and how to fix them
Reichenbach's Air Plant (Tillandsia reichenbachii) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root and basal rot
Overwatering or poor air circulation causes blackening at the base of the zig-zag leaf arrangement; remove affected tissue with sterile scissors, allow to dry, and reduce watering frequency.
Mealybugs
White cottony mealybug colonies can hide in the axils of the helically arranged leaves; treat promptly with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab and isolate the affected plant from other tillandsias.
Prevent reichenbach's air plant problems before they start
Most reichenbach's air plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Reichenbach's Air Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my reichenbach's air plant root and basal rot?
Overwatering or poor air circulation causes blackening at the base of the zig-zag leaf arrangement; remove affected tissue with sterile scissors, allow to dry, and reduce watering frequency.
Why is my reichenbach's air plant mealybugs?
White cottony mealybug colonies can hide in the axils of the helically arranged leaves; treat promptly with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab and isolate the affected plant from other tillandsias.