How To Grow & Care For Air Plants

December 3, 2021

These little plants seem like they’re right from another planet. They have a very specific look to them that can’t be mistaken for really another plant.

Air plants are commonly known to be some of the easiest plants to care for. Whenever I see “easy to care for plant guides” air plants are usually on the top of the list. They are small (but they can get big for some varieties), soil-less and you can put them just about anywhere!

If you’re looking for a plant that is easy to take care of and versatile, then the air plant is for you! Here’s how to care and grow air plants so your little guys will thrive!

What Are Air Plants?

Despite the fact that the air plant looks like it’s from another galaxy, they’re actually native to North America.

The air plant (Tillandsia) in the wild will attach itself to other plants, like a tree trunk or stems, plants that do this are called epiphytes. They attach to really any type of still organic matter that they can get their little roots stuck on. Attaching themselves to the bark of a tree will allow them to absorb any water from rainfall and even nutrients from some animal droppings left on the trees.

They have long and spindly leaves that are in a rosette pattern. New growth on the air plant will come from the top of the plant, while shedding old leaves from the bottom. The leaves can come in so many different varieties – actually around 600 species to be exact (well, kind of). Some air plants leaves can be fuzzy, silvery, green, smooth, and velvety.

Some common misconception with the Tillandsia is that they don’t have roots. Well, like I mentioned above – they do. But that’s not where the air plant absorbs its water and nutrients. Air plants use their leaves to absorb water and other necessary things it needs to survive. They also don’t need (or shouldn’t) be planted. Their roots aren’t made to be buried in the dirt and need the…well, air.

In the right conditions air plants will produce blooms. Pretty colorful flowers that make these oddballs some of the prettiest plants in my collection.

Air Plant Care

Like I had mentioned earlier in the post, air plants are some of the easiest plants to grow and care for. In my home, I have air plants in places that a ‘normal’ plant wouldn’t thrive in, like in a glass jar or freely hanging in a window, Here are the basics to keeping your air plant happy and healthy.

Watering Air Plants

Air plants aren’t the type of plant to let you immediately know when it’s time to water. Sometimes they can show off a little browning on the edges, but they’re so small it’s barely noticeable. When it comes to watering these guys (and this is the only time I’ll recommend this) keep a semi-strict once a week schedule for these guys.

Since air plants absorb water through their leaves you need to soak them. I put mine in a bowl of room temperature filtered water and let them sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, longer if they seem a little thirstier. You can add a little bit of fertilizer in the water that’s made for air plants specifically, but only in the spring and summer months.

I have mastered a trick to keeping my air plants happy: Once the air plant(s) have had a good soaking,

time to shake, shake, shake!

Shaking out your air plants while holding the base (upside down) will help throw off any excess water. If any water is trapped in the leaves before putting them back in their homes, can cause rotting and leaf issues.

After a good shake put down a towel and let them dry out, upside down. I usually keep mine drying like this for a good 3-5 hours, making sure they’re completely dry.

Lighting & Temperature For Air Plants

Although air plants aren’t in the same category as other houseplants when it comes to care, they still need sunlight.

Air plants do best in medium bright light settings. They can survive with some direct sunlight, but only for a few hours a day. If you have your air plants in a sunnier area, just make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t drying out or burning.

Make sure your air plants are not in an environment below 45 degrees.

Blooming And Propagating Air Plants

This is one of the biggest appeals of an air plant, THOSE BLOOMS!

Air plants often bloom, like any plant, in the spring and summer months. This happens when the air plants environment is ideal for them. Good lighting and proper fertilization will promote these to flower.

Once the flowers die off, snip them with sterile scissors, and give yourself a pat on the back because your air plants are super happy with you!

Air plants can be propagated by division. This is a method to remove a pup from the mother plant. And because the plant doesn’t need to be planted you now have a completely new air plant!

Say Hello To My Little Friend

In the beginning I couldn’t keep air plants alive to save my life, but now that I know how to grow and care for air plants and remember that less is more with these guys, they are now thriving in my care.

Air plants are such a good addition to any home and plant collection. There are so many sizes, colors, and shapes these come in, and the flowery reward you get for doing a good job is well worth it!