Tillandsia Caput Medusae | Medusa Head Air Plant Care

	12 Hours filtered light. Some direct sun is OK too, but not all day. Here in south FL, we keep our specimen medusae on the south east facing porch but we also have several plants down stairs in partial shade.
	In humid conditions, mist every other or even every third day. In dry conditions, mist daily. In any condition, allow the plant to completely dry between watering. Soak once or twice monthly for a few minutes (say 10), but plant must dry out within three hours or so. An oscillating fan could help. TOO MUCH WATER WILL KILL YOUR PLANT.
	Fertilize sparingly once or twice monthly, usually during the soak. Use a good tilandsia fertilizer. We use Grow More 17-8-22, and have samples available for free. You pay for the jar and shipping only. TOO MUCH FERTILIZER WILL BURN YOUR PLANT.

Habitat

Tillandsia caput medusae prefer sub tropic environments with warm and humid forests and are found native to Central America and Mexico. It is also known as Octopus Plant and Medusa's Head. It thrives in forest and clif side areas with plenty of light, heat, and humidity.

Care

Tillandsia medusae are easily cared for in just about any environment. They have fine but strong hair like roots that grow for the purpose of anchoring the plant to it's mount - not for transmission of nutrients. As such, these plants prefer warm to hot temperatures, humidity, and air circulation. In zones 9 +, these plants can survive outdoors but should be protected from temperatures below 60°. Medusae may be grown in artificial environments, provided they are misted regularly, provided 12 hours of filtered or artificial sunlight, and moving air. Like all tillandsia, they do not require soil and only require occasional fertilization.

Like all tillandsia, these plants will die after blooming. But, before they do they will produce "pups". These pups will match the parent plant and can be left to grow on the mount or can be broken off when mature and mounted somewhere else. If your air plant appears sick after blooming, it's NORMAL. DO NOT THROW IT OUT, but continue to care for it as you usually do. Watch for pups to emerge.

Your air plant is only fully exhausted if you can pluck the leaves out of the central plant without effort. Usually this is the result of over watering and rot. Plants that die naturally will tend to still be tough and simply dry out and wither.

Morningwood Growers Tillandsia Caput Medusae Compared to Penny

Morningwood Growers Tillandsia Caput Medusae on Green Grantite

Morningwood Growers Tillandsia Caput Medusae on Stacked Slate

Morningwood Growers Tillandsia Caput Medusae in Wire VaseMorningwood Growers Tillandsia Caput Medusae on Slate Magnet

Morningwood Growers Tillandsia Caput Medusae on Marble Tile Magnet with Wire Vase