Tillandsia andreana, also known as Andreana Air Plant, is a great terrarium plant with an upright body and thick, deep green foliage.
Its compact size and pet-friendly nature make it a great vivarium addition when combined with taller plants and hardscapes.
A bonus to Tillandsia andreana is that it is a plant that requires low maintenance when placed in the right conditions.
| Quick Stats: | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tillandsia andreana |
| Common Name | Andreana Air Plant, Tillandsia funkiana |
| Family Name | Bromeliaceae |
| Habitat | Tropical mountain environments |
| Temperature | 65°F to 85°F |
| Height | 8-11 inches |
| pH | 5.5 to 6.5 |
| Lighting | Bright |
What is a Tillandsia Aandreana?
Tillandsia andreana is a species of bromeliad epiphyte native to tropical mountain and cloud forests.
The leaves form a thick, lush rosette and their hardy nature allows air plants to flourish when in the right setting.
Tillandsia funkiana is one of the faster-growing air plants, so it is an excellent choice for terrariums where you want an abundance of green foliage.
Tillandsia Andreana Facts
Tillandsia andreana is a very versatile plant and can be planted on almost any substrate and grows on trees and rock faces.
This air plant is highly wind and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for outdoor environments and xeric biotopes.
Description
The air plant is an epiphyte species of bromeliad.
Its long, thick leaves grow in a rosette pattern and resemble those of a palm tree.
Its leaves have a deep green hue but will have purple, pink, and yellow hues when the plant is exposed to light and water of the right quality.
At the normal height, Tillandsia andreana can grow to be 8 to 11 inches, and in some cases, it can grow to be taller.
Habitat
Tillandsia andreana is native to both mountain and cloud forests of tropical regions.
It can also be found in dry, open forests, desert areas, and other dry habitats with limited resources of water and soil.
pH Preference
This air plant prefers slightly acidic soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
The best way to ensure your air plant thrives is to test the soil it is planted in and adjust accordingly.
Vivarium Type
The air plant is quite an easy-going species. With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when it comes to choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in.
It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this air plant with its basic needs.
The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the air plant.
Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
Vivarium Placement
Tillandsia andreana does not need much soil.
When using it in a terrarium, it can thrive either directly on a hardscape or suspended in the air.
It is important to keep in mind the various sources of light and humidity available and adjust the lights accordingly.
Substrate
Tillandsia andreana does not need a lot of soil and is an epiphytic plant, meaning it needs a porous medium to attach to.
The best soil for Tillandsia funkiana would be a mixture containing bark, sphagnum moss, and some coco fiber.
Lighting
Being a tropical plant, Tillandsia andreana needs bright, natural light, preferably from a south or east-facing window.
It will also appreciate bright terrarium lighting such as full-spectrum LED bulbs.
Avoid direct sunlight, as this plant cannot tolerate too much sun exposure.
Buy Air Plant
When it comes to buying an air plant, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium.
Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Click the image below to find out more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Air Plant Care and Propagation
This air plant is easy to propagate by removing a healthy rosette and planting it on the same substrate.
Make sure the soil you use is well drained, as the air plant will not do well in soil that holds too much water.
How to Grow
Tillandsia funkiana’s growth will depend on the amount of light, water, and humidity that it receives.
Once this air plant is established and you know how much light and water it likes, you can water and fertilize it about once a week.
The leaves should be misted two to three times a week to promote healthy growth.
Watering
Tillandsia andreana requires more watering than other air plants.
Water your air plant thoroughly once a week, allowing the water to penetrate the leaves.
Make sure to remove any excess water to avoid root rot and make sure you allow plenty of ventilation to the foliage.
Plants Similar to Air Plant
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup.
Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if you find the air plant hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this plant…
Here are other plants you might find will do well with or in the place of Tillandsia andreana:
Conclusion
Overall, Tillandsia andreana is an excellent plant to have in any vivarium.
Its upright structure and dense foliage make it a great addition to any terrarium.
While this terrarium air plant is easy to care for, it is important to pay attention to its light and water requirements in order for it to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Water an Andreana air plant by soaking it in a bowl of lukewarm water for 10 minutes once a week.
2. Let the plant dry upside down after soaking, then place it back in its container.
3. Place the air plant in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for 6 to 8 hours per day.
4. Mist the plant with water a few times a week to provide extra hydration.
5. Feed Andreana air plants periodic doses of liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer months. (BONUS)
Water Tillandsia Andreana by soaking the entire plant in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. Afterward, allow the plant to air dry completely until the leaves are dry to the touch. Repeat this process every 1 to 2 weeks.