Troubleshooting
Tillandsia xerographica problems — and how to fix them
Tillandsia xerographica (Tillandsia xerographica) 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.
Base rot
Water left sitting in the leaf base after soaking rots the core. Always dry the plant upside down with good airflow within a few hours.
Browning, curling leaf tips
Usually underwatering or very dry air. Increase soak frequency and check that leaf tips aren't crisping in direct sun.
Loose, greening rosette
Too little light makes the tight silver rosette stretch and lose its trichome bloom. Move it brighter.
Slow or no growth
Normal for this species. Stalled plants are often light- or feed-starved rather than diseased; brighten and feed monthly in summer.
Prevent tillandsia xerographica problems before they start
Most tillandsia xerographica issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for tillandsia xerographica in general rather than its problems? Read the full tillandsia xerographica care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Tillandsia xerographica problems — FAQ
Why is my tillandsia xerographica base rot?
Water left sitting in the leaf base after soaking rots the core. Always dry the plant upside down with good airflow within a few hours.
Why is my tillandsia xerographica browning, curling leaf tips?
Usually underwatering or very dry air. Increase soak frequency and check that leaf tips aren't crisping in direct sun.
Why is my tillandsia xerographica loose, greening rosette?
Too little light makes the tight silver rosette stretch and lose its trichome bloom. Move it brighter.
Why is my tillandsia xerographica slow or no growth?
Normal for this species. Stalled plants are often light- or feed-starved rather than diseased; brighten and feed monthly in summer.