Troubleshooting
Roth's Air Plant problems — and how to fix them
Roth's Air Plant (Tillandsia rothii) 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.
Failure to blush or bloom
Insufficient light is the primary reason T. rothii does not turn crimson or flower; move to the brightest available spot and, if growing indoors, supplement with a full-spectrum grow light for 12 hours daily to stimulate the bloom cycle.
Basal rot
Water pooling in the wide rosette centre, especially in cooler winter conditions, causes the inner leaves to blacken; tilt the plant after each watering to drain and position in a room with good ventilation.
Prevent roth's air plant problems before they start
Most roth's air plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Roth's Air Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my roth's air plant failure to blush or bloom?
Insufficient light is the primary reason T. rothii does not turn crimson or flower; move to the brightest available spot and, if growing indoors, supplement with a full-spectrum grow light for 12 hours daily to stimulate the bloom cycle.
Why is my roth's air plant basal rot?
Water pooling in the wide rosette centre, especially in cooler winter conditions, causes the inner leaves to blacken; tilt the plant after each watering to drain and position in a room with good ventilation.