Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Tillandsia Ionantha

Tillandsia Ionantha is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of soaking in water for 20 to 30 minutes once or twice a week in the early stages and paid for it. base rot from water not drying within four hours of soaking also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a glass globe or terrarium with open ventilation which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. surprisingly tough once watering rhythm is established is visible but muted. most vigorous growth in warm humid summer months gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.