Capitata Peach Air Plant Care

The Tillandsia capitata peach air plant is an air plant that has origins in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Central American countries and grows in deciduous forests. These plants do not require soil for nourishment and can be found attached to rocks, canyons, and high on trees. This fascinating plant gets its name from the beautiful pink and peach blush during its blooming period and needs indirect sunlight and a well-ventilated place to thrive.

Appearance

Tillandsia capitata features a rosette of velvety, silvery green leaves that turn a soft peach when the plant is preparing to bloom. These plants are around three to four inches in size but can grow to over 10 inches tall and wide.

Flower

The air plant features beautiful tubular flowers in a deep purple shade. The flower is stalkless and grows straight from the center of the plant. The flowers have erect petals that are anywhere between 35 to 50 mm long.

Capitata Peach Air Plant Care

The capitata peach air plant is a low-maintenance plant that grows without soil. However, it does need a certain type of environment to thrive.

Temperature

The Tillandsia capitata thrives best in temperatures between 15 to 35 degree Celsius. Since it is a hardy plant, it can also tolerate moderate changes in temperature. However, if the temperature turns extremely hot or extremely cold, it is advisable to move it indoors or to a place where it won’t get direct exposure from the full sun or cold.

Keep in mind that you should never place a plant in front of the heater or the air conditioner.

Water Requirements

The Tillandsia capitata has simple water requirements. In fact, since this plant is quite hardy and resistant to droughts, you may be able to miss a few days of misting without risking damage to it.

To water the plant, submerge it in a pot of water for about 15 minutes. Gently shake the water off the plant before hanging it again to prevent fungal growth. 

During the winter season, you can submerge the plant once every two weeks in water.

Humidity

The Tillandsia capitata absorbs water through its fleshy leaves. Since these plants are air plants, they can withstand a good amount of humidity with some good air circulation. 

It is recommended that you mist the plant three to four times a week, particularly if the weather is dry so that they can absorb moisture. In the winter season, mist the plant once or twice a week.

Make sure you do not mist too frequently and ensure that the leaves are properly dry before you mist the plant again.

Also, keep the misting light and make sure the leaves do not remain wet since that can lead to rot or the growth of fungus.

Soil

The Tillandsia capitata absorbs nutrients not through its roots but through its leaves. This is the reason why it does not need to be planted in soil. However, you can use surfaces like rocks, sand, and shell to anchor them.

Fertilizers

The Tillandsia capitata peach air plant can be fertilized once or twice a month. In the winter season, it just requires fertilizers once a month.

Simply mix some air plant fertilizer in the water you use to submerge the plant. Make sure you use the appropriate amount of fertilizer that is written on the instruction labels since too much fertilizer can have a burning effect on the plant and kill it.

Drought Resistance

The Tillandsia capitata air plant can tolerate dry conditions for a few days. However, if the plant is not watered after a few days, it will prevent it from growing well. If the climate has low humidity, the plant will have to struggle to absorb moisture from the air through its leave and will become dried out and damaged.

Pressure Resistance

The Tillandsia capitata peach air plant is a small and delicate species of plant and hence does not have a high-pressure tolerance. Make sure you do not crush it beneath a heavy object or handle it aggressively when watering or feeding it, as the plant is susceptible to damage and may not be able to survive.

Disease Resistance

Like other air plants, the Tillandsia capitata air plant is disease resistant. However, you should also exercise necessary caution to make sure the plant does not get infected or damaged.

Make sure the leaves of the plant go dry within a few hours of misting and watering; otherwise, it could result in a fungal infection and rot. Your plant can also grow fungus if it is placed in a poorly-ventilated area with high levels of humidity. So always make sure that the room has good air circulation for your plant to thrive.

Pest Resistance

Mealybugs are a common enemy of the Tillandsia capitata air plant and can form colonies on the plant if it is neglected. It is important to check your air plant every day to look for signs of infestation.

If you notice a pest attack, try to wash it off. However, if the infestation persists, you should use a prescribed insecticide on your capitata peach air plant.

Grooming and Pruning

As the Tillandsia capitata peach air plant starts to grow, its lower leaves will become dry and start to fall off on their own. However, if the leaves do not come out naturally, you should shear off the dry leaves carefully without damaging the healthy ones.

This will ensure the health of your plant and will help it maintain its beautiful appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tillandsia Capitata Peach Air Plant Care

As a person who has not taken care of an air plant before, you might have some more questions regarding the capitata peach air plant. Some of them are discussed below.

How Can You Propagate the Tillandsia Capitata Peach Air Plant?

The air plant can be propagated by dividing the pups or using seeds. The preferred method of propagation is the division of the pups in the spring season.

To cultivate your plant, place it in water for 15 to 20 minutes and then gently get rid of the excess water. Place the plant on a flat surface and look for the pups at the base of the plant. Gently pull out the pups without causing damage to the parent plant.

Place the pup in a container and put it in a warm and well-ventilated area. Mist it in the morning and make sure that it remains dry at night so that it becomes easier for it to absorb carbon dioxide.

Is the Tillandsia Capitata Peach Air Plant Toxic?

The capitata peach air plant is a non-toxic plant that is safe even if it is consumed by your pet. However, it is advisable that you keep the plant out of reach of children and pets since it can be a choking hazard.

How Long Does the Capitata Peach Air Plant Live For?

The capitata peach air plant has a perennial life cycle, which gives it a longer lifespan. Hence, with the right care, your air plant can easily live for three to five years.

Bottom Line

The capitata peach air plant is a gorgeous plant that can be placed either indoors or outdoors, given it has the right air, light, water, and nutrition requirements. This lovely little plant is low maintenance and can spruce up your indoor space with color and vitality. It is also a wonderful plant for beginner gardeners to grow.