“Repotting” air plants: Air plants are the easiest plants to move because they aren’t rooted in soil. When “repotting” your air plant just be careful not to bend and break its leaves or roots. Other than that just move your air plant to its new home and care for it as usual.
Full Answer
Do air plants grow on trees?
Air plants will grow on bushes, rocks, and shrubs. Other epiphytes include orchids (which grow on tropical trees) and many kinds of ferns. 2. Air plants use roots to attach themselves to things (rather than to absorb nutrients).
How long can air plants go without water?
Some of the fuzzier Tillandsia varieties with the most trichomes can last 2 weeks or more without water, but most air plants should go no more than 2 weeks without water. Q. Where do you put air plants?
Why do air plants only bloom once in their lifetime?
Endowed with some strange attributes, these plants bloom only once in their lifetime, which signals their life cycle peak. Right around bloom time, air plants produce offsets, the plant’s offspring or “pups.” These little babies, clones of their parent, begin as tiny nodes at the bottom of the plant.
How do houseplants move?
One of the most typical ways that plants move is through a process known as phototropism. Essentially, they move and grow toward light. You have probably seen this with a houseplant that you rotate once in a while for even growth.
What Are Air Plants?
Where do air plants grow?
What is an offset in an air plant?
What are the tiny scales on the leaves of plants?
What is the best air plant for beginners?
Can air plants tolerate direct sunlight?
Do air plants need soil?
See 4 more
About this website
How do air plants stay in one place?
Part of the Bromeliad family, air plants are epiphytes — plants that attach themselves to other plants for support, without relying on the host to thrive. They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, not their roots, which they use only to anchor themselves to other plants or objects.
How do air plants spread?
Propagate an air plant by harvesting its “pups.” “Just before, during or after flowering, depending on the species, your air plant will reproduce by sending out from two to eight 'pups'. These baby air plants, which start out very small, will eventually grow into their own mother plants,” says Pistils Nursery.
How do I know if my air plant is happy?
In general, air plants communicate thirst with their leaves. A healthy air plant with plenty of water will usually have wider, flatter leaves. For those air plants with visible trichomes (those fuzzy white things on the outside of their leaves) they should appear “extra fuzzy.”
Do air plants have to be mounted?
Since they don't need to be potted in soil, air plants can be mounted, suspended, perched, or otherwise creatively displayed for a fun visual twist. However, caring for air plants can be a bit mysterious and even frustrating for new air plant parents. After all, they're quite different than most common houseplants.
How often do air plants produce pups?
Each year, provided you're taking the right care with your air plant, it'll produce offspring – pups. The number of pups an air plant produces varies by the type of plant. Some can produce one to three, others up to a dozen.
How long do air plants live?
What is the lifespan of air plants? An air plant lifespan is between 2 to 5 years. Air plants are perennials, which means that they live for more than two years. Their life expectancy will be influenced by the Tillandsia species and growth conditions (environment, light, temperature, etc).
How often should you water air plants?
How often do I water my air plants? Your plants should be watered once per week, and 2-3 times is recommended for optimal care. A longer, 2-hour soak is recommended every 2-3 weeks. If you are in a drier, hotter climate, more frequent watering or misting will be needed.
How often should I mist my air plant?
If you are growing them indoors and the air is dry, you will need (at minimum) to submerge the plant in water for 2-3 hours about every two weeks. 4. In a shaded-house or unheated home, you can use a soaking mist once or twice a week in summer, once a month in cooler weather. 5.
Do you soak air plants upside down?
We recommend dunking a xerographica in a bowl or bucket of water and then shaking it gently to allow the water to fall from its leaves. Let dry upside down to ensure water doesn't get trapped in its leaves. Characterized by abundantly fuzzy leaves, the Tillandsia tectorum is an air plant that you will not want to soak.
Do air plants get bigger?
Do Air Plants Grow Bigger? If your air plant is a pup (baby air plant) then it will grow to full size depending on its species. As stated above, air plants range in size from two inches to seven feet so research your variety to find out more about how big it will grow.
Is it OK to hot glue air plants?
If you are in a pinch and want to attach something quickly, you can use hot glue, although this isn't our preferred or recommended method. Hot glue isn't waterproof and won't last as long as other types of anchoring.
Do air plants only bloom once?
NEW GROWTH – “PUPS” Sad but true, every air plant will only bloom once in its lifetime. Once the flower has dried up, you should trim off the entire flower stalk, as this will promote “pupping.” Tillandsia “Pups” are simply new plants forming at the base of the plant.
Are air plants invasive?
Over 500 species of Tillandsia grow in a broad variety of habitats in the USA (southern part) to Central and South America. Some Tillandsia varieties such as Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usenoides) can be invasive, taking over phone lines and climbing buildings.
Do air plants have babies?
On average, air plants will create 1 to 3 pups after the blooming process. Some varieties can product many, many more. Separating Pups from the mother plant: You can gently remove offsets from the mother plant when they grow to be about 1/3 the size of the mother.
How do you divide air plants?
You'll need to separate the pups once they get to around a quarter size of their mother plant. Using a sharp kitchen knife or quality pair of garden sheers, carefully lay the mother plant on its side and cut away the pups. After you've completed this process, you're all set to kick-start your very own air plant farm!
Where do air plants come from?
Air plants, also known by their Latin name, Tillandsia, are native to the mountains, deserts, and forests of South and Central America, and some types can even be found in the southern United States. Air plants are epiphytic, which basically means they grow on and around trees, but they're not parasitic.
How to Care for Air Plants - The Spruce
Air plants, or epiphytes, are popular houseplants with unique care needs. Learn how to keep them happy indoors.
What Are Air Plants And How Do They Grow? - Farmers' Almanac
You’ve probably seen them in supermarket flower kiosks or in the garden center. Air plants are fun to collect and easy to grow, and best of all they’re a low-maintenance way to brighten your home.
What Is an Air Plant? The Lazy Gardener’s Favorite Foliage - realtor.com
To water your air plant, simply fill a bowl or your sink with room-temperature water and dunk it in. After 10 minutes, lay the plant on a towel to dry before inserting it back into its planter.
Why do air plants need roots?
Air plants use roots to attach themselves to things (rather than to absorb nutrients). Above: Photograph by John Merkl. You can mount a tillandsia like a trophy to hang on a wall or arrange several together in a single planter suspended from the ceiling. 3. Air plants need sunlight like any other plants.
How do you know if an air plant needs more water?
Above: Photograph by John Merkl. Your air plant will let you know if it needs water more often (the tips of its leaves will turn brown and curl) or if you are over-watering it (its leaves may turn brown or start to look soggy).
Can air plants grow in soil?
1. An air plant will not grow in soil. Don’t even try it. Above: Photograph by John Merkl. Tillandsias are epiphytes, which means that in nature air plants grow on other plants—clinging to tree trunks, for instance—rather than by rooting in the ground. Air plants will grow on bushes, rocks, and shrubs.
Can a Curly Tillandsia live without water?
It’s a mistake to treat your air plant as if it’s a decorative object rather than a living thing. Just because it’s amiable enough to live in a bowl or on a bookshelf without benefit of soil doesn’t mean it can survive without air, light—or water.
What Are Air Plants?
gets the name “air plants” because they don’t require soil to grow. They are epiphytes, which means they use their roots to cling onto supports such as tree branches and rocks, similar to the way orchids grow. Instead of soaking up water and nutrients through their roots, they use trichomes, special scale-like structures on their leaves, to do the job. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Why are my air plants turning brown?
Drought stress is one common issue with air plants, especially during the winter when our homes are extremely dry. Leaves may turn brown or begin to curl slightly. Watering should combat this. If any of the leaves die, remove them with a sharp pair of scissors.
How to keep a sage plant from rotting?
Submerge the plant in a small shallow bowl filled with water. You don’t want to have any chlorine or salts in the water, but avoid the use of distilled water. Tap water that has been allowed to sit for 24 hours is suitable. Soak the plant for approximately one hour, shake off the water, then return it to its container. Make sure to tap or shake as much water as possible off the plant as leftover water may cause rotting. Water every two weeks.
Do air plants need fertilizer?
Air plants don’t need much fertilizer. They must take up nutrients through water, so use a water-soluble fertilizer meant for bromeliads and air plants and mix it according to the label. Do not overapply fertilizer or you may kill your plant. Fertilize about 2 to 3 times per year.
Can air plants be outside?
If you wish to place your air plants outside during the summer, be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and extreme heat, or they will scorch. Watch for drought stress and water them more frequently if you have to. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to return them to the indoors long before the temperatures plummet.
Can air plants tolerate freezing?
(Windows that face south may also work if you can filter the light somewhat with curtains). Cold drafts are hard on air plants, and they cannot tolerate freezing.
Are Air Plants Parasitic?
No, air plants are not parasitic! They do not steal any nutrients or moisture from trees or other plants they may be found growing on.
Background
Air plants are from the Genus Tillandsia which is part of the Bromeliad family of plants. They’re considered Epiphytes, which are simply plants that are able to grow without soil. These plants absorb carbon monoxide and other nutrients from the air to thrive which is why they’re termed air plants.
How Long Do Air Plants Live?
People keep air plants in their homes because of their aesthetic and air-cleansing abilities.
Important Things to Know About Air Plants
Considering getting air plants to add to the visual aesthetic of your home? You’re going to love having some in-depth knowledge of these air-sucking tiny creatures that cleanse your atmosphere and release beautiful colors while doing so. Let’s take a look at some interesting things about air plants.
Benefits of Growing Air Plants
You might be thinking, why are air plants becoming the popular choice? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of growing air plants.
Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Your Air Plants
Air plants don’t live very long once they’ve bloomed, on their own. But with proper care and taking the necessary steps, the lifespan of your air plants can significantly be increased. Let’s take a look at some of the best tips to increase the lifespan of your air plants.
No soil? No problem!
Cori Sears specializes in houseplants and houseplant care. For more than 10 years, she's been on a mission to transform her urban apartment into an indoor jungle. She's been a contributing writer for The Spruce since 2019.
Air Plant Care
There are a few general rules when it comes to care that can be followed for any air plant.
Do Air Plants Need Soil?
The defining quality of air plants, or epiphytes, is that they do not require soil in order to survive. However, some air plants such as staghorn ferns, birds nest ferns, some species of moss, and some species of philodendron (among others) can adapt to grow in soil, although they require extremely arid, well-draining mixes in order to survive.
Displaying Your Air Plant
Since these plants do not require soil, there are lots of fun and creative ways to display your air plant around your home. They can be mounted on another medium such as a piece of driftwood, a rock, or a wood board; displayed in a terrarium; hung from the ceiling or a curtain rod; or set inside a dedicated air plant holder or planter.
Types of Air Plants
There are hundreds, if not thousands of plants that can be classified as air plants, or epiphytes, from multiple different plant families. The following are some of the most popular and well-known types of air plants.
Propagating Air Plants
Since the term “air plant” covers a wide variety of plants, there are a few ways that air plants are commonly propagated. Most of the time, epiphytic plants propagate most readily through division of pups from the "mother plant," however some species, such as the tropical cacti, can also be propagated by stem cuttings.
Common Problems With Air Plants
The most common problems encountered when growing air plants indoors are usually related to improper watering or humidity conditions. Identifying the issue early is key to saving your plant before it’s too late!
Indoor gardening doesn't get much easier than this. Learn how to grow soilless air plant at home
There’s an ideal houseplant for people who are averse to dirt, as most air plants don’t require any soil. Since they absorb water and nutrients through their foliage rather than their roots, they can be positioned wherever their owner prefers without a speck of soil in sight.
Air Plant Care at a Glance
Common Name: Air plant, sky plant Scientific Name: Tillandsia spp. Soil: None, or orchid mix Light: Varies by species Water: Spray, soak, dunk, or mist Food: Bromeliad plant food or low-nitrogen fertilizer Temperature and Humidity: 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit Propagation: Offsets Safety: Nontoxic
Air Plant Characteristics
Most Tillandsia species grow in rosettes somewhat resembling spiky grass clumps or sea urchins. However, some air plants, such as the Spanish moss that drapes over tree branches in the South, have a more wiry and dangly appearance. Their flowers vary from the “tiled” pink paddles of T. cyanea and T.
Types of Air Plants
Tillandsia cyanea: This plant makes a rosette of thin green leaves about 16 inches wide, from which rises a 6-inch-tall paddle-shaped collection of pink bracts with pansy-like periwinkle blooms protruding from its sides.
Selecting Soil for Air Plants
How do air plants grow without soil? As mentioned above, these amazing little houseplants typically don’t require soil since the trichomes on their foliage absorb all the moisture and nutrients they need. However, the so-called “paddle” types like T. cyanea and T.
The Right Light
Care for air plants varies based on whether they are rainforest or desert species. The thin-leaved green rainforest types prefer partial sun, filtered sun, or bright indirect light. Meanwhile, thick-leaved silver desert varieties might be able to tolerate full sun.
Watering Air Plants
Because they require little other care, the question of how to grow air plants largely centers around watering. You can spray your Tillandsia heavily a couple of times per week, preferably with room-temperature rainwater or spring water, each of which can supply nutrients, too.
What Are Air Plants?
Air plants are members of the Bromeliad family and Tillandsia genus. Most Tillandsia air plants are small species that absorb moisture from the air. They are native to the rainforests of Mexico, Central America and South America, and parts of the southern United States like Florida.
Where do air plants grow?
Air plants grow natively in all sorts of climates, from the highlands of Guatemala to the rainforest of Belize to the rocky cliffs of Tierra del Fuego in South America.
How do air plants reproduce?
Air plants reproduce by creating offsets or pups —small plants that grow from the base of the mother plant. Moisten both the mother plant and offsets before separating, then gently remove the small air plants.
What are the epiphytes of plants?
Epiphytes include everything from Spanish moss to orchids to trichomes, but when home gardeners refer to air plants, they are generally speaking of small indoor plants such as Tillandsia streptophylla, Tillandsia capitata, and Tillandsia brachycaulos.
How to keep air plants healthy?
Provide good air circulation. Ensure that your air plants have airflow, but do not place them under heating or air conditioning vents. Ensure that your air plants get ultraviolet light. Either hang your air plants in a window or use an artificial light that produces UV rays. Fertilize occasionally.
Can you grow air plants in pots?
Since air plants don’t require soil, you don’t have to grow them in traditional pots. Instead, consider purchasing hanging wire planters or pendants for your air plants. The Tillandsia xerographica air plant, which naturally grows in tree tops, can thrive hanging indoors. Grow air plants in terrariums.
Do air plants need water?
Air plants are low-maintenance since they live without soil and store excess water in their leaves, much like succulents. This makes air plants popular with DIY home decorators. To grow air plants in your own home, consider the following air plant care tips:
What Are Air Plants?
Air plants, or Tillandsia, grow floating in the air, where they live and thrive without soil.
Where do air plants grow?
Most air plants are native to the West Indies, Mexico, Central America and South America, but some grow wild in California and the southern U.S. Visitors to Louisiana will see Spanish moss dripping from centuries-old live oak and bald cypress trees.
What is an offset in an air plant?
Right around bloom time, air plants produce offsets, the plant’s offspring or “pups.”. These little babies, clones of their parent, begin as tiny nodes at the bottom of the plant. As newborns, they’re delicate, so allow them to reach at least 1/4-in. to one inch before separating them from their mother plant.
What are the tiny scales on the leaves of plants?
Tiny scales or “hairs” on the leaves, known as trichomes, function like reservoirs that absorb water and nutrients from the atmosphere.
What is the best air plant for beginners?
Best Beginner Air Plant: Aeranthos. This common beginner plant derives its name from the Greek “aer” for air and “anthos” for flower. A hardy plant that requires less watering, its stiff green leaves grow upward, and a purple flower eventually emerges from its pink bud. Its several varieties range in size and color.
Can air plants tolerate direct sunlight?
While most air plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, some can tolerate direct light.
Do air plants need soil?
Air plants don’t require soil or even containers, just a supportive spot to hang out. Relatively easy to grow and maintain, they are a great choice for those not endowed with a green thumb.
What Are Air Plants?
- If the term “air plants” has you scratching your head, you’re not alone. Plants that grow in air? Yes! Tillandsia spp. gets the name “air plants” because they don’t require soil to grow. They are epiphytes, which means they use their roots to cling onto supports such as tree branches and rocks, similar to the way orchids grow. Instead of soaking up water and nutrients through their r…
Successfully Growing Air Plants
- The key to success with air plants is: don’t forget to water them! Most indoor environments are very dry and air plants cannot survive on air alone. Using a spray bottle to mist air plants isn’t sufficient, although they will appreciate the attention.
Are Air Plants Parasitic?
- No, air plants are not parasitic! They do not steal any nutrients or moisture from trees or other plants they may be found growing on.
Will They Bloom?
- While air plants have beautiful, colorful, and textured foliage, they may bloom if you have successfully met all of their requirements. Flowers are usually borne on spikes, and come in a wide range of bright colors. Most air plants only bloom once in their lifetime, so it’s a real treat if they show off for you! Don’t forget to deadhead (remove) th...