King of the airplants Plant Care
Wallisia lindeniana (Regel) É.Morren
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to the rainforests of Ecuador, this plant's most distinctive feature is its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with striking dark green and silver variegation. Highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and elegant appearance, Wallisia lindeniana can add a touch of tropical beauty to any indoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for King of the airplants?
Water King of the airplants every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the King of the airplants Native To?
What Is the King of the airplants?
King of the airplants (Wallisia lindeniana) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Wallisia genus. King of the airplants is native to Ecuador. King of the airplants is also known as Linden's bromeliad.
King of the airplants displays a rosette-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. King of the airplants produces colorful bracts with small flowers emerging from the center.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a King of the airplants?
Wallisia lindeniana requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the King of the airplants Need?
King of the airplants thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing King of the airplants in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the King of the airplants Prefer?
Wallisia lindeniana grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. King of the airplants prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a King of the airplants?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with orchid bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for King of the airplants to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a King of the airplants?
Feed King of the airplants every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a King of the airplants?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a King of the airplants?
King of the airplants can be propagated through offsets (pups), seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jewel orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the King of the airplants Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list King of the airplants, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the King of the airplants?
King of the airplants is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the King of the airplants Need?
King of the airplants grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. King of the airplants is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow King of the airplants as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
King of the airplants is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Wallisia genus — compare its care with other Wallisia species on PlantoScan.
Wallisia is part of the Bromeliaceae plant family — browse all Bromeliaceae genera and species.
King of the airplants thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Wallisia lindeniana (Regel) É.Morren, family Bromeliaceae (first published in Ann. Hort. Belge Étrangère 20: 102 (1870)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list King of the airplants, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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