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Tillandsia Streptophylla Air Plant: Terrarium Care Guide

Terrarium Creations · Updated August 2026
how to grow and care for tillandsia streptophylla air plants in terrariums
Photo: salchu from Japan (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Tillandsia Streptophylla Air Plant

An amazing low maintenance air plant, the Tillandsia Streptophylla features curly green leaves and is often referred to as the Shirley Temple plant.

Type: Air Plant | Size: It grows fast and can produce a clump of offsets in a relatively short amount of time., 8-10cm

How to grow and care for Tillandsia Streptophylla:

What soil should I use for Tillandsia Streptophylla plants?

No soil required as air plants absorb water through their leaves.

Ideal Lighting Conditions for Tillandsia Streptophylla:

Bright direct light

Ideal Temperature Conditions for Tillandsia Streptophylla:

Prefer warm sunny conditions.

Ideal Watering Conditions for Tillandsia Streptophylla:

Mist the plant with lukewarm water once or twice every week.

Ideal Humidity Conditions for Tillandsia Streptophylla:

60% to 72%

How much water? Mesic vs xeric

Streptophylla curls its leaves tightly when thirsty and relaxes them when hydrated, so the plant itself signals when to water. It is xeric, preferring a soak followed by fast, bright drying over frequent misting.

Common issues: Drying out if not watered, not receiving enough sunlight, and overwatering or humidity that is too high.

Propagation: Propagate tillandsia Streptophylla with seed or pups.

Where to buy Tillandsia Streptophylla:

Tillandsia Streptophylla on Amazon >

Tillandsia Streptophylla on Ebay AU >

Tillandsia Streptophylla on Amazon US >

Tillandsia Streptophylla on Amazon AU > 

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