How to Care for Air Plants (Houseplants)

Air plants are great houseplants to keep that are known for their unique way of growing. They are plants that do not need soil to grow. They are considered as plants that are easy to grow but still require some care to help them grow. These plants are best to grow inside your home if you have a little bit of dirt issue because they won’t be needing soil which means that they will make a lesser mess than other plants.

If you are wondering where you should place these plants since they won’t be needing soil, the answer to that is a simple glass jar that you can put some water in, much better if they are placed above ground like in a hanging glass jar or placed in a wall for easier view and access. 

Air plants are also known for their scientific name Tillandsia which is a member of the Bromeliaceae family from the Plantae kingdom. They are native to the West Indies, Mexico, and much of Central America and South America. They are mostly found in humid rainforests growing on trees, amongst rocks, in deserts, in rainforests, on cliffs and rock faces, and even on cacti. 

Now just because these plants do not need soil to grow, does not mean that it will be hard to take care of them and to keep them alive. Air plants are actually relatively easy to take care of and wont be needing much maintenance but they will still need your help. And if you are planning to get yourself an air plant, here are just a few tips to keep in mind. 

1. For Sunlight

Air plants do best when they are near windows with significant light. They do not love direct sunlight although they can tolerate it in small amounts at a time. It is best they get medium to bright indirect light often.

2. Water

Most air plants are happiest with being watered once a week. They will become dry if in a terrarium and will like being sprayed 1-3 times a week. Of course, they will require more misting if they are in a hot or very dry climate. For waterings, submerge the air plant upside down in a bowl of water for an hour. Because there is no soil, air plants will not be harmed if they are submerged for longer periods of time. Overnight is all good. The most important tip is to let them dry after watering them. They do not like having water stuck on their leaves after watering. 

3. Temperature

We found that Air plants are happiest in temps between 60-90F. Not too hard right!

4. Air

Air plants need air, so it is best if they live in a place where they get circulating air. Putting them in a closed terrarium increases the chances for the Air plant to develop sickness and die. After watering, it is especially important the plant is placed in an area with moving air so it can dry within a few hours. They do not like being wet for days after watering.

5. Fertilizer

The best fertilizer for air plants is a fertilizer that helps encourage bloom and offset production and low-nitrogen fertilizers are one of them. Air plants are not heavy feeders so a quarterly feeding is fine for them but you don’t need to worry if you may sometimes forget to give your air plants some fertilizer for it is totally okay with them especially if you water them with rainwater or water from an aquarium or pond. 

6. Propagating

To easily propagate your air plants, all you have to do is simply remove offsets, or pups, that will grow from the base of the mother plant. Anywhere from one to three pups will appear after the plant's bloom cycle.

7. Repotting

Air plants are probably the easiest plant to repot because they are not rooted in soil and all you have to be mindful of during the transfer that you dont break the stems and the roots of the plant. 

Air plants for sale 

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