Reviving a Dehydrated Air Plant (Tillandsia)

An air plant left alone for a weekend turned brown and wilted. Weekend neglect shouldn't kill a properly cared-for Tillandsia—suspect prior improper care. Tillandsias need: protection from frost; cool nights (<60°F ideal); in dry indoor air, submerge 2–3 hours every 2 weeks (mist alone is insufficient); in humid/unheated spaces, soaking mist 1–2x/week summer, monthly winter. Fertilize with pinch of orchid fertilizer in mister. Water mornings only—plants respire at night; wet bases rot. Shake excess water after soaking. Dry in 4 hours max. Bright filtered light. Optimal temp: 50–90°F. Bromeliad fertilizer (17-8-22) 2x/month for blooms/pups. Mount on non-copper wire, waterproof glue—no moss, no standing water.

For this plant: submerge 30 minutes now. If center is green, it may recover. Outer leaves will dry—remove them. Submerging beats misting. Get the hang of it; they're easy once understood.