Air Plant Care

About Air Plants

Air plants (Tillandsia spp.) are epiphytes, which means they grow attached to trees and shrubs in their native habitat and receive their water and nutrients from the nitrogen rich rainfall. There are hundreds of species and varieties of air plants. The varieties with silver foliage tend to be the most drought tolerant while the greener types may dry out faster and need more frequent watering.  Most species produce attractive, tubular shaped flowers of various colors.

Air plants seem almost magical the way they can grow in the air without roots and soil. Many varieties look like exotic sea creatures or lifeforms from alien planets. They are fascinating little plants and with minimal care, are easy to grow. 

Air Plant Care

When you understand what they need, air plants are easy to care for. They require water, light, and the right temperatures, just like any other houseplant. You know an air plant is happy when it sends out flowers. When it is finished flowering, snip off the spent bloom and your air plant will continue to grow and produce more flowers. 

Watering 

Air plants have just a few, small aerial roots that are used to attach the plant to the branch where it is growing. Water your air plants about once a week by placing them in a sink or bowl with room temperature water and soak them, completely submerged, for about 15 minutes to a half hour. When they are done soaking, take them out of the water, shake off the excess droplets and 

lay them on a towel. After they drain, they are ready to put back into their designated spot. It's also good to mist them every few days to keep them fresh, especially when the air is dry indoors as it tends to be in winter. Your air plants will look somewhat dull and unhappy when they need water. We want to replicate their native habitats from the Southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, where they get what they need from high humidity and plentiful rainfall. 

Light 

In nature, air plant species generally like to grow up in the sheltered, shady canopy of trees. They will do best if you can put them in a brightly lit spot out of direct sunlight. 

Temperature 

Air plants love warm tropical and semi-tropical weather. Protect your plants from anything colder than 45 degrees as they will die if they get too cold. If you live in Zone 9 or warmer, you can grow an air plant outdoors all year if you keep it from getting too wet during the winter.

Decorating 

Air plants look great all on their own or in groups where you can display several varieties together. You can place them in terrariums, hang them in a glass globe, attach them to driftwood or magnets with fine fishing line or hot glue, etc. Tillandsia species also pair well on a branch with orchids as they enjoy the same warm, humid conditions. 

Enjoy your air plants!