Dehydration

What's happening

Tillandsia has no roots that drink — it absorbs every bit of moisture through tiny scales on its leaves called trichomes. A quick mist barely wets the surface, so over weeks the plant runs a water deficit, the leaves roll inward to conserve moisture, and the exposed tips dry to a crisp brown.

How to fix it

Switch from misting to soaking. Submerge the whole plant in a bowl of room-temperature water for 20–30 minutes, then shake off the excess and set it upside down somewhere bright and airy to dry fully within 3–4 hours. Repeat a soak once or twice a week. A healthy plant will uncurl and firm up within a day or two of a proper soak.

This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.