Basic Xerographica Care
Xerographica are the largest air plants and are loved for their thick rosette leaves. But Xerographica aren’t like other houseplants and need their own unique care!
Light |
Bright Indirect LightI love the sunshine but too much direct light will damage my leaves. |
Water |
Water InfrequentlyI can be quite sensitive to root rot so be careful not to overwater me. |
Humidity |
Medium HumidityPlease make sure the air isn’t too dry, otherwise I won’t be a happy plant. |
Soil |
No Soil RequiredI don’t actually need any soil or even a pot to grow in. |
Bright, indirect light is vital
Xerographica plants need bright light but it’s important that you keep them away from direct light as this can scorch the leaves. They will struggle to grow and survive in low light areas so this is an important thing to get right.
Mist your Xerographica often
As Xerographica plants don’t grow in soil they need to get water through misting and water baths). We recommend misting several times a week in summer and weekly in winter. It’s important to mist in the morning to allow time for the water to evaporate. If the leaves are still wet when it’s colder at night it can lead to leaf rot.
Use a water bath every other week
Another thing which keeps your Xerographica plant from drying out is using a water bath. We recommend doing this every week or two in spring and summer and monthly during winter.
Warmer temperatures are better for your Xerographica
Xerographica plants will struggle in cold temperatures so you want to make sure they are away from any cold drafts coming in through windows or doors. Average room temperature and above is ideal.
Fertilising is optional
You really don’t need to fertilise your Xerographica as they will thrive in the right environment. If you do want to feed your plant then you can add a little liquid fertiliser into the water bath every now and again.
Propagate the Xerographica pups
The easiest way to propagate a Xerographica is to cut off the pups that it starts to grow as the plant gets more mature. You can also propagate through the seeds from Xerographica flowers but that is a little trickier.
Xerographica are safe for pets
Another great thing about Xerographica plants is that they are completely safe for pets and humans so you don’t need to worry about putting them out of reach.
Xerographica FAQs
Quick and simple answers to the most common questions we see about the Xerographica .
How often should I mist my Xerographica?
To keep the humidity up, you want to mist your Xerographica several times per week to prevent the leaves from drying out.
Are Xerographica plants toxic?
You’ll be happy to know that Xerographica plants are non-toxic and safe for humans and pets.
How much sunlight does a Xerographica need?
Xerographica plants need bright light but it’s important that you keep them away from direct light as this can scorch the leaves. They will struggle to grow and survive in low light areas so this is an important thing to get right.
Common Problems with your Xerographica
Here are some common issues that you might run into. It's important to diagnose any issues early to give your plant the best chance of bouncing back.
Why does my Xerographica have wrinkled leaves?
Intense heat coming from cookers or radiators can cause your Xerographica to dry out and the leaves will wrinkle and shrivel up. Move your Xerographica away from these heat sources and make sure to mist the plant regularly.
Why does my Xerographica have brown leaves?
If your Xerographica has soft brown mushy leaves then overwatering has caused this. If the leaves on your Xerographica are dry and brown then a lack of misting and water baths is most likely the cause. Monitor how often you are misting and bathing your Xerographica and adjust moving forward. Trim off the worst affected leaves to promote new healthy growth.
Why does my Xerographica have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on a Xerographica plant indicate that it has either received too much sunlight or too much water. Monitor the levels of light and water it receives and adjust the environment and care accordingly.
Why isn't my Xerographica growing pups?
Xerographica plants aren’t super fast growing and won’t grow any pups until it is a mature plant. This can take several years but with the right care and a bit of patience you should start to see pups growing out of the mother plant.