Xerographica guide
Tillandsia xerographica, also called king of air plants, Tillandsia xerographica
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright direct
- Water
- Dip or mist weekly. Soaks are short, or skip them.
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. Dry air means more soaking.
- Temperature
- 10 to 32°C (50 to 90°F)
- Soil
- None. Grows on wood, rock, or in an open dish.
- Feeding
- Air plant fertilizer at quarter strength in the soak water, monthly
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft) wide
- Propagation
- Pull off the pups once they are a third of the mother's size
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes xerographica different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the air plant care guide.
What it is
Xerographica is a large air plant with wide, silvery leaves that curl and twist outward like a fountain. It grows from a round base into a rosette up to 90 cm (3 ft) across. It is often called the king of air plants.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Xerographica | Wide, silver, curling | Large, with curling leaves |
| Blushing air plant | Small, stiff, green | Small and straight |
| Spanish moss | Thin hanging strands | Strands, no rosette |
Care differences
Xerographica is a dry-climate air plant. Its thick coat of silver scales holds water. Long soaks can rot it. Dip it for a minute or mist it well, then dry it upside down.
It handles more sun than green air plants. A few hours of direct sun are fine.
Buying it
Xerographica is sold at plant shops and garden centers. It costs more than small air plants and takes years to grow from seed, so wild-collected plants are a concern. Look for nursery-grown plants. Check for a firm base.