Tillandsia ionantha
Quick answer
Your air plant can droop when it is short of water or when water has sat in its base, and the leaves can look similar in both cases. Check when it last had a soak first.
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How to tell
The leaves feel soft and papery and the plant looks limp, because it hasn’t had a proper soak recently.
The fix
Soak it fully in room-temperature water for 20-30 minutes, shake the water out, and let it dry upside down. It should firm up within a day or two.
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How to tell
The base feels soft or dark and leaves pull away easily from the center, usually after water sat trapped between the leaves.
The fix
Shake it out well after every soak and let it dry upside down in good airflow. Pull away any soft, dark leaves. If the center itself has gone mushy, the plant can’t be saved.
How to tell
It sits near a cold window, an outside door or an air-con vent, and looks limp after cold nights or while the vent is running.
The fix
Move it away from the draft to a spot with steadier temperatures.
How to tell
It started drooping right after you bought or relocated it.
The fix
This is transplant shock. Keep its care steady, don’t fertilize, and give it a week or two to settle. Resist the urge to fuss.
How to tell
It wilts in the heat of the afternoon but recovers by evening.
The fix
Shift it out of direct midday sun. A temporary wilt in heat is the plant conserving water.
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