Rolling of leaves of these plants does in fact indicate a moisture deficiency.

Hi everyone

Emily - When I first started growing bromeliads (Tillandsias are also bromeliads despite what some people say). I was told by an elderly grower that if I looked at my plant's leaves, they would tell me what they required in the way of water.

If the leaves were curling up at the edges, this meant that they needed more water. This was the plant's natural response and by doing this, the leaves were turned up so they were able to catch and hold more more water from rain or dew.

If on the other hand the outside of the leaves were turned down, it prevented them trapping water and allowed it to run off immediately, thus preventing overwatering.

In summary, if the leaves are turned down at the edges the plant has sufficient or too much water and if they are turned up they are too dry and require more water. I have always followed this rule when deciding when to water and it works well for me as an indicator.

Finally, it's always worth remembering that more plants (of any type) are killed by too much water rather then too little; if you can't decide if the plant needs watering or not, put it off for another day or two rather than risk overwatering..

All the best, Nev.

Thank you for taking the time to share these words of wisdom, much appreciated!

Emily, you're very welcome.

All the best, Nev.

I don't know why you would soak a tillandsia for six hours! I have all of mine outdoors, and I never soak any of them, but I do spray/mist them with water about four days a week during the dry season here, which is most of the year.

What they really like (I think) is good air flow.

Here are some that I brought inside temporarily, to keep birds from eating the flowers: