How to Grow and Care for Air Plants (Tillandsia)
- No potting soil is needed.
- The air plant can be placed in hanging glass globes or shells. ...
- Make sure the container you choose does not retain water, as air plants may rot if they aren’t allowed to dry off.
- Secure the plant with fishing line or wire if necessary.
- Plants should be handled as little as possible to avoid damage to the leaves.
- Every one to two weeks, soak your air plant in room temperature tap water (or rain/pond water if you can find it) for 5-10 minutes.
- After soaking gently shake excess water from your plant. ...
- From the time soaking ends, the plant should be able to dry fully within 3 hours.
How do you care for Tillandsia?
These 6 Simple Tricks Will Keep Your Air Plant Alive
- Dunking is best. I know you thought you’d be fine just spritzing your tilly every few days, but that isn’t enough. ...
- Always air dry. After they soak, Tillandsias need to dry out fully. ...
- Look on the bright side. Bright filtered or indirect light is ideal for indoor air plants. ...
- Plants get hungry, too. ...
- Nice and cozy. ...
- Open up. ...
What are the best air plants?
Types of Air Plants
- Bromeliads Family (Bromeliaceae) The bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae) is the largest and most diverse family of air plants, and also the most recognizable.
- Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) The orchid family also contains a large number of epiphytic plants, including the most common and well-known genus in the family—the phalaenopsis orchids.
- Some Ferns. ...
How to grow and care for air plants?
The Art of AiR plant Care
- The First Air plant Sighting. When you first lay eyes on an air plant you might be intrigued or confused, and then definitely need to have one… or maybe ten.
- Water Your Air plants. ...
- Dry Your Air plants. ...
- Your Air plant needs light! ...
- Don't forget about air! ...
- The highs and lows. ...
How to grow Tillandsia?
tillandsia bulbosa care
- Water. While Tillandsia Bulbosa prefers frequent watering, they do not require soaking. ...
- Light. The plant requires sufficient illumination but not direct sunshine. ...
- Temperature. Tillandsia Bulbosa thrives in warmer climates. ...
- Fertilizer. Fertilize Tillandsia Bulbosa once or twice a month, according to most gardeners. ...
- Identification of Tillandsia Bulbosa. ...
How do you take care of air plants for beginners?
0:572:11How to Care for Air Plants - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt for up to a few hours at least once a week as well to mist your air plants just simply spray theMoreIt for up to a few hours at least once a week as well to mist your air plants just simply spray the leaves a few times a week to submerge it take it out of the container. That it's in and dunk.
How often do you water a tillandsia?
2-3 times per weekThoroughly wet your Tillandsia 2-3 times per week; more often in a hot, dry environment; less often in a cool, humid one.
How do you keep air plants alive indoors?
Below are 5 simple rules of thumb to follow when caring for Tillandsia:1) Water your Airplant Regularly. You will need to regularly water your airplant. ... 2) Give your Airplant Light. ... 3) Let Your Airplant Have Some Air. ... 4) Keep Your Airplant in a Nice Temperature. ... 5) Don't do this to your Airplant.
How often do you water an air plant?
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.
What is the lifespan of an air plant?
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).
Do you soak air plants upside down?
It is very important to lay your air plants out on a dish towel on their side or upside down to let them dry completely. This is especially important for the larger species like Xerographica, Streptophylla, and Sparkler. They should be fully dry to the touch within 2 hours after their bath.
How do I get my air plant to flower?
Most healthy Tillandsia will bloom eventually, but they require proper care and plenty of light in order to do so. To help speed up the blooming process, you can use a diluted fertilizer like our specially formulated Air Plant Food once per month or so to encourage blooms and pup production.
How do I know if my air plants are healthy?
To tell if your air plant is healthy, hydration of the plant is crucial to prevent underwatering. Regularly check for discolored leaves or dry or wet rot to tell if the plant is not receiving enough moisture or too much. If an air plant blooms and displays fuzz, this is a sign of good health.
Why is my Tillandsia dying?
Plants will die from over-watering when they are not allowed to dry out completely for several days between water baths. This often occurs when the air plants are misted with water while situated inside a terrarium or enclosure.
How do I know if my air plant needs water?
Signs of under-watering your air plant include the leaf tips turning brown or crispy. The natural concave shape of air plant leaves tends to become more exaggerated when under-watered. Unfortunately, if your air plant has been over-watered, it's often too late to save it.
Can you water air plants with tap water?
Air plants aren't too picky when it comes to water, and most tap water is just fine, but it depends on the water quality in your area. The best water to use: rain water, aquarium water, or pond water because these are more rich in nutrients (note: if using one of these waters, don't add any additional fertilizer).
How long can air plants go without water?
two weeksThe majority of air plants can safely withstand two weeks without water. After two weeks, your air plants may start to exhibit drought stress. Some air plant species will not survive after two weeks, others can squeak by and be revived after 3 weeks, even 4 weeks, without water.
How long can air plants go without water?
two weeksThe majority of air plants can safely withstand two weeks without water. After two weeks, your air plants may start to exhibit drought stress. Some air plant species will not survive after two weeks, others can squeak by and be revived after 3 weeks, even 4 weeks, without water.
How do you water a tillandsia?
0:082:02How To: Water Your Air Plant (Tillandsia) 101 | Plant Watering TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need to prepare a bowl or sink full of water submerge your air plant in the water. AndMoreYou will need to prepare a bowl or sink full of water submerge your air plant in the water. And allow it to soak for a few hours.
How do I know if my air plant is overwatered?
Overwatering air plants is bad news. It is the most common reason why they die. So if you see that their bases start to turn dark then the leaves fall out from the middle or if they have mushy roots, and yellowing leaves, it is necessary to take immediate actions to prevent any permanent damage that may occur.
Should you mist air plants daily?
How often to mist air plants? In this case, mist the plants 3 to 7 times a week, depending how dry your home air is and what time of year. Summertime plants need more water while they can sustain on less in winter.
What to do with a tillandsia plant?
Soaking your tillandsia air plant is a great way to quench its thirst.
How often do Tillandsia air plants bloom?
Tillandsia air plants bloom only once in their lives.
How do Tillandsia get the nutrients they need?
Then, how do Tillandsia get the nutrients they need? Most plants absorb these from the soil, but Tillandsia is specially adapted to get moisture and nutrients from the air surrounding it and the surface on which it grows. Most often, in the wild, this includes tree bark and leaf debris.
How long have Tillandsia plants been around?
Tillandsia plants have been around for hundreds of years.
How many different types of Tillandsia are there?
Remember how there are more than 600 different types of Tillandsia? It can be challenging to tell them apart, especially when it comes to domestic varieties readily available for purchase at nurseries and houseplant suppliers.
What is the best light for Tillandsia?
Indirect sunlight is ideal for your tillandsia air plant.
What is an air plant?
Don’t let that reputation fool you: air plants are a somewhat laid-back plant that heightens any environment. But they require specific care to reach their full potential.
How to care for air plants in bloom?
Air plants in bloom should be rinsed under running water instead of submerged, with care taken for the delicate flower. Increase misting for the air plants while in bloom.
How much sunlight does a Tillandsia need?
Your tillandsia should received bright, indirect sunlight or indoor lighting (like from fluorescent bulbs). They can tolerate a couple hours of direct sun, but this is very drying, so plan to supplement their water if they do get direct sun.
Where do Tillandsia live?
Tillandsia are commonly known as air plants, for their ability to live entirely off of nutrients and moisture in the air in their native habitats. Tillandsia are often found in trees, nestled in the fork of a branch where humidity and dew collects to form moist pockets. Each leaf has a texture designed to collect as much moisture from ...
Can you glue Tillandsia in place?
But if you want to glue your tillandsia in place, use one that is not water soluble but also non-toxic like E-6000 or Goop. If using hot glue, use the lower setting to avoid scorching the leaves. Copper wire or pipes can be toxic to air plants, especially when the copper is repeatedly exposed to moisture.
Do you fertilize air plants?
Fertilizing your air plants is not strictly necessary, but it does lead to better health, better growing and better blooming. Well fed air plants also are better able to adapt to challenging conditions, like a 2 week vacation without watering, a heat wave, etc. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for bromeliads or air plants once a month, or dilute Miracle-Grow or similar water soluble plant foods to 1/4 strength. Add the fertilizer water to a spray bottle, and mist thoroughly with the food water once a month.
Do air plants need water?
You will see the difference being well hydrated makes for your plants. The leaves are more open and more flexible, and the color is clearer. Although air plants can survive with far less water, they will will grow and reproduce and flower far better with proper watering. In short, they will thrive.
Do air plants grow in soil?
Air plants grow in an astonishing array of shapes and sizes. Their low maintenance needs and the ability to grow without being rooted into soil makes them so versatile in the way they can be displayed.
How long does it take for Tillandsias to dry?
Air Circulation. Following each watering, Tillandsias should be given enough light and air circulation to dry in 4 hours or less .
How to remove an air plant pup?
To remove the pups, they should be at least 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother plant. Hold both mother and pup at their bases and gently twist in a downward motion. If this does not happen easily, you may need to remove the pup by cutting downward as close to the mother as possible.
How long to soak new plants after shipping?
Caring For Your New Plants After Shipping. When you receive our plants, please remove from the shipping package and soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour, submerge upside down. Shake gently to remove excess water, Place in bright light and allow to dry.
How many pups does a bromeliad Tillandsia have?
Before, during or after blooming (depending on the species) your plant will start producing offsets (Pups), most plants will produce between 2 - 8 pups.
How long does it take for a plant to dry after watering?
Plants should be given enough light and air circulation to dry in no longer than 3 hours after watering. Wind can be a detriment as the plant dries too quickly. Remember that inside with a window fan as well. If the plant dries within a very short period of time, it is not hydrating at all.
What is the purpose of soaking plants in water?
Soaking the plants in these waters is a natural fertilizer and can help revive plants that are in distress. Learn more about air plant nutritional needs and how it varies across this unique genus. Growth Cycle. Bromeliad Tillandsia have a life cycle of one plant growing to maturity and blooming.
Can Tillandsias be grown on rocks?
Learn about about separating air plant pups on our blog. Tillandsias can be grown basically anywhere, on rocks, in a seashell or on coral, in ceramic or pottery, attached to wood (not pressure treated wood this is impregnated with copper, and copper will kill your plant).
What to consider when taking care of air plants?
Environment: The first thing to consider when determining air plant care is your environment. While we offer a general list of air plant care tips here, it is critical that you consider your environment when determining things like watering method and frequency. If you live in a drier climate, you might need to water more frequently ...
What temperature do air plants need to be?
Air Plants are found in a wide variety of temperatures, but mainly range from 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area with freezing conditions, make sure your air plants are safe indoors!
What is an air plant?
Air plants, or Tillandsia, are part of the family of plants known as epiphytes, which means that they anchor themselves to another plant but are not parasitic. Ferns, Tillandsia (and other Bromeliads), orchids, and most lichens and moss, all carry this epiphyte designation.
What are the main factors that affect air plants?
However, this doesn’t mean that they are maintenance-free, and just like with most plants, the three main factors that can affect their health and life span are: air, water and light.
How long does it take for a plant to dry out?
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.
What is the easiest plant to grow?
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.
When do you remove pups from an air plant?
Pups: As your air plant begins to mature and run through its bloom cycle, it will produce babies also known as "pups". You can either remove the pup once it reaches around 1/3 of the size of the mother plant, or you can leave the pups on and they will eventually form a "clump".
How long do Tillandsias need to dry out?
After they soak, Tillandsias need to dry out fully. Fully! Shake off any excess water and put them in a bright spot for at least 4 hours. This is key, as dampness is the main foe of an air plant. Their poor little cores will rot if they don’t get to drain and dry out! Getty Images.
What is the best light for indoor air plants?
Bright filtered or indirect light is ideal for indoor air plants. Some direct sun works, too (morning is better), but they shouldn’t be baking all day. Think “rainforest” and do your best to reproduce those conditions in a small space. 4. Plants get hungry, too.
Do orchids need soil?
For starters, they don’t even need soil, absorbing water and nutrients through scales on their leaves—in the wild they survive just hanging onto the bark of trees and whatnot, catching whatever bit of rain and bird poop that comes their way. But just like succulents and orchids, some people have trouble keeping them alive.
Can you put plants in a glass terrarium?
An enclosed vessel encourages wet, stagnant conditions, and this spells disaster. If you just can’t get over glass, choose a vessel with as wide a hole as possible (like a fish bowl), and be sure to let plants dry fully before you place them back inside.
How to grow Tillandsias in air?
Once you are done giving them a water bath, place your Tillandsias in a spot with bright light and good air circulation to dry off. Make sure to remove any excess water by shaking them gently before doing so. After this step, you may proceed in following the care instructions below to properly grow your Air Plant.
How cold should Tillandsias be?
Just keep in mind that the optimum temperature range for Tillandsias is 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and about 10 degrees cooler during night time.
How long does it take for Tillandsia to dry out?
However, for routine watering, they should be able to dry out in 4 hours or less to avoid rotting. We prefer to use reverse osmosis water with a dilute solution of fertilizer every time we water.
What does it mean when your air plant leaves turn dark?
But if you notice that the base of your air plant start to turn dark then the leaves fall out from the middle, then you are already overwatering your air plant.
Why is air circulation important for air plants?
How? Well, unlike any other houseplants, air plants have small hairs on the leaves called trichomes, which helps them absorb as much nutrients from the air as possible, and needs a good airflow for them to use it and as well as helps them dry out after being watered.
Do Tillandsias need intervention?
Caring for Tillandsias can be quite tricky compared to other houseplants. But they are very hardy and don't need much intervention to thrive, making the ideal plant to care for, especially to beginner gardeners or busy office workers.
When do air plants need direct sunlight?
In general, air plants need bright, indirect, or filtered light from April to October to thrive. However, this still depends on the variety of what air plant you have and as well as the humidity of its growing environment. For example, in a mild environment, they can tolerate periods of direct sunlight in the morning, but more than a few hours of hot sun can fry them. If you live in a more humid environment, which usually happens from November through March, air plants can typically handle more direct sunlight, as they are not to dry out quickly during these times.
What is a Tillandsia plant?
Tillandsia is also known as an air plant. Air plants are a member of the epiphyte family. This plant needs no soil to grow and gets its nourishment from the air.
Why do air plants need shade?
Air plants choose trees and shrubs to attach themselves to for a reason. It gives them some protection from full sunlight. Bright filtered light or partial shade will result in the most healthy plants. Colorful air plants such as this Tillandsia ioantha need a bit more like than the plain green ones.
How often do air plants bloom?
Sadly, each air plant will only bloom once in its lifetime. After flowering, the bloom will dry off. Trim off the entire flower stalk to help produce tillandsia pups. These pups are new plants that form at the base of the plant.
What do air plants attach to?
Air plants love to attach themselves to anything stationary. An artistic piece of drift wood, or part of a tree or some branches make the perfect display.
How to hang air plants on wire?
Just poke the air plant through the spaces of the wire and cover it for a really lovely hanging display.
How to take care of air plants?
It depends on the length of vacation, but the best way is to thoroughly soak the air plant before you leave and it should take care of itself during your time away. Place the plant in indirect sunlight while you are gone so it doesn’t get too much light.
Where is Tillandsia moss native to?
It is a flowering plant that often grows upon larger trees in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant is native to much of Mexico, Central America and South America.
About the Air Plant Tillandsia
Air Plants are also known as Tillandsia which is the genus of air plants. Air plants can be easy to care for and do not require a lot of sunlight or water, making them ideal houseplants.
How to Water Air Plants
Air plants thrive in humid, warm environments. Most homes are not humid enough for air plants, especially during the winter months. Keeping air plants hydrated means keeping them wet regularly.
Is My Air Plant Getting Enough Water?
Leaf tips that turn brown or become crispy are signs of an under-watered air plant. Under-watering can cause the natural concave shape and appearance of the leaves to be more prominent.
How Much Light Do Air Plants Need?
Air plants thrive on bright but filtered light. A west, east, or south-facing window is ideal. My Air Plants do not receive enough natural light during the winter months, so I supplement with grow lights.
How Much Heat Do Air Plants Need?
Air plants do well in warm weather. So, you want to keep them away from cooler temps and drafts because they will die. The optimum temperature for growing Air Plants ranges between 60-90ºF.
How to Propagate Air Plants
According to the Air Plants Design Studio, air plants only bloom once in their lifetime. Air Plant Central reiterates this usually takes between one and two years. But, the period can be shortened to six months when growing the plant under the optimum conditions.
How to Fertilize Air Plants
Waiting 12-24 months for air plants to bloom can be such a long time. The good news is, you can speed up the process by growing the plant under the right conditions and applying some fertilizer.
History and Cultivation
- These fascinating little plants have been around for a while and were discovered way back in the 1600s. Interestingly, Tillandsia is not synonymous with all air plants; it’s simply the name of the most popularly known family of air plants. For those who think air plants have a bit of an exotic feel, you’d be spot on. They originate from both Centra...
How to Care For Tillandsia Houseplants
- While these plants are adapted perfectly to growing in their natural environments, they’re likely to need more than a bit of help to adaptto your natural environment—your home! However, if you know what this plant needs to thrive, you’ll find they’re an easy and rewarding plant that offers unique beauty and can be quite a conversation starter.
Planting Process
- With Tillandsias, the sky’s the limit with planting. No soil, no problem! But it’s still important to consider their particular needs when choosing how to display or style your plants. There are many popular ways to “plant” these plants, but not all will lead to healthy plants.
Pest and Diseases
- In the world of houseplants, many pests and diseases arise from the quality and condition of the soil. Although most plants don’t have any dirt to worry about, they are still susceptible to some ailments. Many ailments can come from unideal environmental conditions.
Tillandsia Life Cycle
- A Tillandsia’s natural growth cycle will include one process of blooming, during which it will also produce pups or small offshoots of new air plants. Of course, there are many different varieties of Tillandsia, and each can create another type and color of the bloom.
Popular Varieties
- Remember how there are more than 600 different types of Tillandsia? It can be challenging to tell them apart, especially when it comes to domestic varieties readily available for purchase at nurseries and houseplant suppliers. However, some are easily recognizable for their unique foliage colors, bloom colors, and growing styles. Additionally, some are more suitable to shadie…
Final Thoughts
- If you’re looking to diversify your houseplant collectionwith a unique, low-maintenance, other-worldly looking plant that offers flexibility and will get conversations going, then take a look at some Tillandsia varieties near you. Although they require special consideration and different methods of care, you’ll find that, once you get into the swing of it, air plants aren’t difficult to gro…