Light plays a massive role in the lives of all plants. Light levels for tillandsias can vary, and different light levels can achieve different things. For Air Plants, most species do well in bright filtered light. This would consist of the same light you receive on a cloudy day. Since light levels are constantly changing throughout the year, it is important to measure those levels to ensure your plant us getting what it needs.
Proper Light Levels and How to Measure Them
There are many different perspectives on what the best light levels are for tillandsias. Different species prefer different levels. For instance, a Xerographica , which is loaded with Trichomes, prefers and can take much higher light levels. These plants can even take full sun, when grown in certain areas of the world where the UV levels are not too high. I do not recommend growing any plants in full sun. For xerographica it is best to have light levels between 30,000 and 40,000 lux. Lux is a measurement of light, and you can purchase a digital illuminance light meter for less that $50 online. That being said, where you purchase your xerographica matters. At Plantaflor we keep all of our xerographicas around 30,000 luxs all year round. That means if you buy that plant from us, and replicate that parameter, your plant will not have any shock, as far as light is concerned. If you buy a plant from a grower who keeps their xerographica at 10,000 lux, and you place it in an environment where the lux is 30,000 you may see the plant struggle to adjust or even burn. You could also acquire stress rings, or growth abnormalities.
Repercussions of too much or too little light
As stated before, Airplants are resilient and can thrive in different light levels. The light levels will determine the shape, color and look of the plant. Many green species such as strictas prefer lower lux levels, and thrive in levels are low as 2000-5000 lux. Some species, such as Aeranthos Negra and Ionantha Fuego, will color up when grown in high light. Also when tillandsias are grown in higher light levels, they tend to be more compact, and its leaves are stiffer. If a tillandsia receives too much light, it could cause yellowing and even sun burn. Also there is a relationship between light and temperature. If light levels and temperatures are too high, and the proper levels of humidity and watering are not in effect, the plant will suffer and eventually desiccate. On the otherhand, if the plant does not receive enough light, the process of elongation can occur. Elongation occurs when a plants' leaves become thinner and thinner, as it reaches for more light. This leads to an undesirable looking plant, that is prone to rot. If a plant doesn't receive enough light, and is given even the slightest bit of extra water, the plant will rot. Other plants such as xerographica, which are almost pure white in bright conditions, will turn a dull grayish green color.
Xerographicas can even get a nice pink color; in the right light
Key Take Away
It is always important to understand how all elements: light, water, temperature and airflow are connected. With light, we must consider temperatures, humidity and airflow. Greener plants, which thrive in lowland environments do best in low light, moist climates. Whiter plants, which thrive in arid bright locations, do best in highland environments. Plants can adapt to most environments, but keep all these elements in mind when selecting a location for your plant. Air Plants are great at showing you what they need, keep an eye on its leaves for any elongation, color changes or dessication.