Air Plants, also known as Tillandsia, are some of the easiest plants to care for – but they do require some care and proper environmental considerations in order to thrive. While they are called “air plants” as they do not require soil and take their nutrients from the air, they still need water, nutrients, and light to survive. Air Plants are technically epiphytes, meaning that they grow in nature on another tree, host, or object. However, they do not steal nutrients from their host, only using it as a home to grow on. Air plants use tiny vessels located throughout their leaves called trichomes to capture nutrients and moisture from the air. Because they do not require soil (and most Tillandsia should NOT be planted in soil), it allows them to thrive in a wide range of settings, vessels and spaces. This flexibility of growth allows air plants to be used in a variety of scenarios which has lead to increased popularity of Tillandsia as decorations for homes and offices.While air plants are known for being easy to grow, they still do need attention to survive and live a healthy life. If taken care of properly, Tillandsias can live for several years and will even provide “pups” for additional years of enjoyment! Place the plants in a bowl, sink, or container and lets soak for around 10-12 minutes. Always take care to gently shake any excess water off the base of the plants, as sitting water can cause rot and damage/kill the plant. We recommend that you water the plants in the morning, and leave them out of their containers in an area that they can dry within 4 hours. Never let your air plant sit in water for a prolonged period of time.
If your plant is struggling and looks “thirsty” you can leave them in bowl for a longer soak of a few hours or even overnight. A healthy air plant will have wide open leaves while a dehydrated air plant will have closed and curled leaves! Never submerge the bloom or flower, as it can cause the flower to rot.
1. caput-medusae
2. peach capitata
3. melanocrater tricolor
4. red abdita
5. xerographica
6. butzii
7. bulbosa Guatemala
8. ionantha fuego
9. harrisii
10. fascic
Air Plants, also known as Tillandsia, are some of the easiest plants to care for – but they do require some care and pro…
