Family: Bromeliaceae
Common Name: Air Plants
Botanical Name: Tillandsia species
Air plants are perfect for anyone with Mysophobia (fear of germs and soil) because they require no soil to live inside your home. These plants are epiphytes, meaning they live on other plants for nutrition and absorb moisture from the air. There are hundreds of tillandsia species, all uniquely beautiful and exotic. All air plants have the exact simple care requirements. Learn how to care for yours!
Light
Tillandsia typically grows in trees in nature, and they receive heaps of dappled light. Keep this in mind when placing them in your home. They should receive at least 6-8 hours of indirect light daily to retain their color and to help them produce flowers!
Water
Watering air plants differs slightly from watering typical houseplants that grow in soil. The best way to properly hydrate tillandsia is to place them in a bowl of room temperature water for 10-15 minutes once a week. If you live in a climate with low humidity, we recommend misting your air plants daily to keep them from drying out.
Temperature
Air plants will grow and thrive in most household temperatures, but they prefer temperatures between 70-80°F. Ensure there is plenty of air circulation, as this helps the foliage dry after soaking and misting. Stagnant air will cause the wet foliage to develop bacterial issues.
Humidity
Air plants love moist air; if you live in an area with high humidity all year or during the summer, your plants will love you! If you live in a dry climate, try placing your air plants over a vase 1/2 filled with water. The plants will absorb the evaporating moisture coming from below!
Fertilizer
Yes, you should fertilize your air plants all growing season! The best way to do this is to use a fertilizer designed for bromeliads. Add the fertilizer to the water when you soak them, or add some to the water in your mister/sprayer. We recommend diluting the fertilizer to 1/4 the recommended strength if you plan to fertilize every time you water your tillandsia(s).
Growth Rate
Air plants are slow-growers. They will grow faster when propagated and take a few years to reach a few inches from seed.
Pet Friend or Foe
Tillandsia are non-toxic to pets. Friend!
Pro Tips
- Air plants flower, but soon after they will die. Before they kick the bucket, they will produce offshoots that will grow into new plants!
- Try grouping your air plants together to make it easier to provide them with higher humidity levels
- Remove the offshoots to propagate new plants!
- Find creative ways to display your air plants as they can live almost anywhere there is light in your home.