Troubleshooting
Thin-Leaved Air Plant problems — and how to fix them
Thin-Leaved Air Plant (Tillandsia tenuifolia) 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.
Crown rot
Water collecting at the centre of the rosette and insufficient drying time are the primary causes; always shake the plant after soaking and invert it on a towel for an hour before returning to display.
Mealybugs
White cottony clusters may appear between leaves; remove with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol and rinse the plant thoroughly, repeating weekly until clear.
Prevent thin-leaved air plant problems before they start
Most thin-leaved air plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Thin-Leaved Air Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my thin-leaved air plant crown rot?
Water collecting at the centre of the rosette and insufficient drying time are the primary causes; always shake the plant after soaking and invert it on a towel for an hour before returning to display.
Why is my thin-leaved air plant mealybugs?
White cottony clusters may appear between leaves; remove with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol and rinse the plant thoroughly, repeating weekly until clear.