While most houseplants grow well in soil-filled containers, air plants are happy sitting on pieces of driftwood or piles of pebbles. That’s because these plants take in water and nutrients via their leaves rather than roots. Not only does this make them a unique addition to your houseplant collection, but it also means they fit in just about anywhere.
Since air plants don’t require soil or regular watering, their care looks different from that of many plants. We’ll cover everything you need to know about air plant care so you can keep your plants happy and healthy.
About Air Plants
When people say air plants, they’re often referring to plants in the Tillandsia genus. However, there are species of air plants that belong to multiple genera. All of these plants are epiphytic, meaning they grow on objects like rocks or branches rather than in the soil. However, most plants sold as air plants are Tillandsia species, these are the plants we’ll cover in this article.
The Tillandsia genus belongs to the bromeliad family. It contains around 650 species, so you can find a lot of variety! All of the plants are native to the Americas, with homes ranging as far north as Georgia and as far south as Argentina. You can find them growing on tall trees, clinging to brick walls, and adding life to otherwise barren rock fields.
All types of air plants are covered with specialized cells known as trichomes. These cells allow the plants to quickly absorb water, which explains why the plants can survive without anchoring roots. When fall falls, the plants take in water and nutrients and use them until the next rain arrives.
Although the plants’ foliage is stunning, air plants can also flower under the right conditions. Their flowers are big, bright, and unmistakable.
How to Care for an Air Plant Indoors
Since these plants hang in the air rather than sit in the soil, you must care for them differently than many other houseplants. Here are some key points about air plant care.
No Need for Soil
One of the benefits of air plants is they don’t need a pot or soil to grow. Placing them in a well-draining potting mix suitable for prayer plants or fiddle leaf figs will only make them unhappy.
Instead, you can set your air plant pretty much anywhere. Set loose plants on top of mantles or shelves, or use a bit of wire to secure them to banisters and walls. You can also tuck the air plants into terrariums lined with pea gravel, set them in specifically designed air plant holders, or tuck them into cracks in driftwood. No matter where you place them, ensure they won’t remain wet for an extended period.
Select the Right Light
While you don’t have to worry about selecting the proper pot or soil, you should pay attention to the type of light. Air plants generally prefer bright, indirect light, but many species can adapt to direct light. Try placing them a few feet away from a bright window, or place them in the interior of a bright room. Whatever you do, don’t place them in a windowless bathroom or dark corner.
Keep the Air Warm and Humid
Since most air plants are native to tropical regions, they prefer warm and humid air. Aim to keep the air temperature between 60-90°F, and avoid sudden temperature changes. You should also be careful to keep your plants away from cold drafts like air conditioning vents and warm drafts like fireplaces.
Although excellent air plant care includes high humidity, these plants will be just fine at average household humidity. However, if the air becomes very dry, consider boosting the air moisture with a humidifier or regular misting. Both your skin and air plants will thank you.
Soak and Dry to Water
Since air plants don’t grow in soil, you won’t have to grab your watering can to keep them hydrated. Instead, you’ll utilize an untraditional watering method that mimics the plant’s natural environment.
Dunking and drying is the best way to ensure air plants receive the water they need without developing unwanted fungal diseases. This method involves placing the entire plant in a bowl of water for about half an hour. Once the plant has had time to soak up the water, remove it and place it back in its original location. You can repeat the soaking every one to two weeks. In general, air plants with thin leaves require soaking more often than plants with thick leaves.
While the soaking method works well for most air plants, some species prefer a quick dunk or regular misting. Identifying the species and researching care practices will help you determine the best way to water.
Common Air Plant Problems
Even if you’ve done your best to provide excellent Tillandsia care, it’s possible that your plants will develop issues. Keep an eye out for the following problems, and fix them as described.
Shriveled or Curled Leaves
If plump and straight leaves become shriveled or rolled, the plant is likely dehydrated. Soak your plant in water for 30 minutes to give it a hydrating boost. If you notice these leaf problems persist, check your humidity. Dry air can cause the leaves to wither quicker than normal.
Soft and Brown Leaves
Brown soft spots are frequently an indicator of rot. This discoloration often occurs at the base of the leaves, but you may also notice brown spots on the upper portions of the leaves. Rot is often caused by overwatering or a lack of airflow.
If you spot rotten sections, you can prune them to remove them. However, you should never prune off more than a few leaves at a time. Regardless of whether or not you remove the affected leaves, ensure you are only watering your plants every one to two weeks. When the plants are not soaking, make sure they’re in a location with adequate airflow and bright light. And never, ever let the plants sit in moist potting soil!
These soft, dark spots may also be caused by exposure to cold air. Remember to keep your plants in an area that’s above 60°F.
Yellow or Brown Leaf Tips
If your plant looks healthy but has crispy, discolored leaf tips, it is likely dealing with intense heat and/or a lack of humidity. Plants sitting in hot, dry air often develop this problem. Adding a humidifier is an easy way to increase the moisture in the air. However, you can also try regularly misting the air with a water bottle.
It’s also possible that you aren’t watering your air plant enough. Remember to soak the plant every one to two weeks.
Air Plant Varieties
Here are some common air plant varieties that work well as houseplants.
- Tillandsia xerographica: One of the larger air plants, this species features ribbon-like silvery-green leaves that narrow to a point. You can order our Tilda air plant to bring one home.
- Tillandsia baileyi: Thin, twisted leaves are a hallmark characteristic of this small air plant.
- Tillandsia usneoides: Commonly known as Spanish moss, this plant has a trailing habit and can often be seen growing on tree branches.
- Tillandsia andreana: Skinny, dense, needle-like leaves makes this air plant look like a cousin of pine trees.
- Tillandsia brachycaulos: A neat rosette of medium-width leaves gives this air plant a refined look.
Order Plants and Flowers
Now that you’ve read through our air plant care guide, you’re well-equipped to care for one of these plants. And if you’re not interested in air plants, we’ve got a variety of flowers and plants for delivery. No matter which plant you choose, we want to make sure it stays healthy. That’s why we’ve put together articles covering topics like caring for hoya plants and written how-to pieces like our bird’s nest fern care guide.
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