- Largest Air Plant
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
- Above Average Watering Needs
- No Soil Required
- Mature Height 3 Feet
- Pet Safe
Tillandsia xerographica is a highly rewarding Air Plant to grow. Xerographica is the largest of the genus and slowly grows to 3 feet in diameter. The thick, silvery-gray leaves form a swirled rosette that is geometrically interesting. In Mexico, where Xerographica is native, these air plants can be seen hanging from the branches of large trees as part of the jungle understory.
Best Locations For Growing Xerographica Air Plant
Air Plants can live just about anywhere in the home that has good lighting and a little bit of humidity. They are natural shelf fillers for a bright bathroom or kitchen and do great as part of open terrarium arrangements.
Xerographica Air Plant Sunlight Requirements
Indirect bright light is the perfect exposure for xerographica. Lower light levels are tolerated, but growth may be slower than average. Air plants can be grown outdoors during the summer. All they need is a dappled shade position under cover and a regular watering from the hose once a week.
Xerographica Air Plant Care
Xerographica is a true epiphyte that needs no soil to grow. It pulls all of the nutrients and moisture from the air. Make sure to mist the plant regularly with distilled water to provide sufficient humidity. Xerographica is an Air Plant that blooms and dies soon after flowering. This only happens after the plant has reached its mature size after many years of growth.
Watering Xerographica Air Plant
Air Plants like to be misted regularly with water, but they also need to be soaked in a bath every so often. Every 10-14 days, place Xerographica in a sink full of room temperature water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. If you have hard or softened water, use spring water or rainwater for the bath. Take the plant out and drain it upside down on a towel for up to 4 hours, so no water stays inside the leaves.
Feeding Xerographica Air Plant
Fertilizing will not make the plant grow faster, but it may help with blooming later as the plant matures. A liquid bromeliad fertilizer can be added to a soaking every 3-4 months. Use one-quarter the manufacturer's recommended amount.
Xerographica Air Plant Information
Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Above Average - Water-loving. Mist 3-4 times a week or soak twice a week. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: Low |
Habit: Mounded |
Growth Rate: Slow |
Mature Height: 3 feet |
Mature Spread: 3 feet |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): Purple, Red |
Flower Shade/Description: Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy |
Fragrant: Yes |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Silver, White |
Foliage Description: Gray/Silver, Green, White |
Temperature: 60° - 80°F (16° - 27°C) |
Humidity: High |
Common Name: Xerographica Air Plant |
Other Name(s): Giant Tillandsia, Giant Air Plant |
Scientific Name: Tillandsia xerographica |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Air_Xerographica
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.