Thirst (under-soaking)
How to tell
The leaves feel papery and curl inward because it hasn’t had a proper soak recently.
The fix
Soak it fully in room-temperature water for 20-30 minutes once a week (more in a dry, heated home), then shake it dry.
Yellow leaves on air plant: causes and fixes
Yellow leaves on your air plant have a few possible causes, and on this plant the likeliest is rot from a soggy center. Check the causes below to find which one fits, then follow its fix.
Most likely cause
Rot from a soggy center. Always shake excess water out of the center after a soak and let it dry upside-down for an hour. Standing water in the cup is what actually rots it, not the watering itself.
Other possible causes
Not a match? Compare the signs below to find the one you have.
Too little light
How to tell
The yellowing comes with pale, stretched new growth leaning toward the nearest window. That combination shows that the spot is too dim for an air plant.
The fix
Move it to a brighter spot, but keep it out of harsh midday sun, which scorches.
Prevention
Give it a full soak weekly rather than relying on misting alone, keep it somewhere bright, and always shake out standing water afterwards.
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