- Origin of Air Plants. Although air plants can grow in almost all atmospheric conditions, their origin is traced back to South America, North America, and the West Indies.
- Characteristics of Air Plants. Epiphytes can thrive naturally without soil, a characteristic that is rare among plants. ...
- Adaptation of Air Plants. ...
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. ...
Where can I locally buy air plants?
Air Plant Shop specializes in Tillandsia air plants, terrariums, botanical branch arrangements, wedding and event favors. All orders are hand-selected and shipped by our team in St. Augustine, Florida. Shop with confidence as our plants are protected by our 30 Day Health & Quality Guarantee.
What are air plants and how do they grow?
- Native Area: Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, eastern Brazil, Venezuela
- USDA Growing Zones: 9–11
- Height: 4–12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
How to start air plants?
- TypeTropical epiphyte
- LifespanPerennial
- USDA Zones10-11
- LightFiltered or full sun
- WaterSubmerge and spray
- Where to PlantTerrariums
- Design TipWall-mounted
- CompanionsMoss, orchids
- Peak SeasonYear-round
How do air plants begin?
After the first bloom cycle an air plant will start its reproduction process by growing a very small “pup” at its base. The bloom cycle can take anywhere between 6 months and several years after birth. Patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to raising air plants.
Do air plants grow naturally?
Air plants can be found growing in trees, amongst rocks, in deserts, in rainforests, on cliffs and rock faces, and even on cacti. Most air plants are native to areas such as the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and South America, and some are even found growing in the southern United States.
What tree do air plants come from?
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.
How long do air plants live?
between 2 to 5 yearsTillandsias, commonly known as air plants, are perennial plants. This means that they typically live for more than two years (source), with their lifespan ranging between 2 to 5 years. However, their lifespan varies depending on the type of air plant and also the growing conditions.
Are air plants just Spanish moss?
Neither, Spanish nor moss, this air plant is a Bromeliad native to the southern United States, Central and South America, along with parts of the caribbean.
What do air plants live off of?
With over 650 types of Tillandsia, these unique looking plants survive without soil OR water. Air plants use their specialized leaves to obtain from the air the water and nutrients they need to survive. The roots of the air plant are simply used for attaching themselves to rocks, trees, shrubs and the ground.
Do air plants grow from seeds?
You might not know this, but air plants can also produce seed pods and seeds. Seed pods only form if a Tillandsia flower has been pollinated. Otherwise, the plant will just grow pups and will not produce seeds.
What is special about air plants?
Air plants are unique in that they use CAM photosynthesis to exchange gases and “breathe” at night, which is different from most plants that do this during the day, and use sunlight for photosynthesis.
How often should I water my 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.
How big can an air plant get?
two inches to seven feetAir plant varieties range in size from two inches to seven feet. The varieties that are frequently found in stores are typically two to five inches in size. There are varieties that bloom flowers but this usually signals that the plant is near the end of its life cycle.
Do all air plants have pups?
That's right, air plant lovers everywhere can cultivate their very own pup nursery. And what's more, pups will always develop identical characteristics to their mother plant. Given the right conditions, all species of Tillandsia will produce pups in a relatively short space of time.
Do you put air plants in soil?
Planting Air Plants Don't plant them in dirt. Ever. They're epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants, not in the ground. Because they don't need dirt, you can put them in creative places.
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.
How do air plants grow without soil?
Air plants are usually tiny, easy to grow, and they don't need soil. As the name implies, air plants absorb nutrients and water from the air through scales on their leaves.
Are air plants naturally colored?
An air plant may flower—but only once in its lifetime. “Depending on the species, these blossoms last from a few days to a few months, and can be a whole variety of beautiful bright colors, like pink, red and purple.
Can air plants grow indoors?
Tillandsias make excellent houseplants because they are easy to care for. They need to be kept somewhere with good light, but not direct sunlight. Too much heat and bright light can scorch their leaves. Any room in the house that has plenty of light is ideal.
Where do air plants grow?
In the United States, they grow in California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and other southern states. There are more than 600 varieties of air plants.
What is an air plant?
An air plant is what is known as an epiphyte – meaning that rather than being stuck in the soil, they attach themselves to things like trees, rocks, fences, and other structures, but they do not feed off the host for survival.
What is the name of the plant that gets its water from the air?
Here's what to know about them. 1. They’ve Got Famous Cousins. Air plant is the common name for members of the Tillandsia genus, which belongs to the Bromeliad family. Air plants’ most famous cousin from the Bromeliad family is probably the pineapple. But unlike pineapples, air plants get their water and nutrients from the air.
Why are air plants threatened?
As is true with most of Mother Nature's treasures, human desire could spell doom for air plants – and many species are threatened thanks to habitat destruction and over-collecting for the horticultural trade.
Do houseplants feel like pets?
Freed from the constraints of roots and soil, they almost feel like pets – a comparison that is strengthened by their quirky appearance that is part plant, part creature. Given that houseplants have scientifically proven health benefits – both physiologically and emotionally – it's no wonder that people love having them around.
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.
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 air plant?
Air plants, or Tillandsia, grow floating in the air, where they live and thrive without soil. 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, ...
What materials are used to make terrariums?
Place them in any variety of vessels including classic and novelty pots, bowls, trays, glass globes, terrariums and wreaths in a myriad of materials — ceramic, lightweight concrete, paper mâché, macrame, woven wire, felt and more.
How often should I water my air plants?
To bathe, soak them in a bowl of room temperature water for six to 12 hours. Use filtered water, or tap water you’ve let sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
How long do I let air plants dry out?
Then lay them on a towel in an area with plenty of light and air circulation, to help dry the leaves. Allow air plants to dry out for about four hours before placing them back in their displays. Note: Try not to touch the plant’s leaves.
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.
Learn all about these fascinating plants and how to care for them. No green thumb required!
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. Follow these simple tips to get started with your own air plant garden!
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.
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.
Where do air plants grow?
This air plant often naturalizes in the Southeastern United States, and it has the very peculiar habit of allowing its seeds to germinate while still in the seed pod. Thus, it's very easy to propagate. Native Area: Southeastern U.S., Central America, Chile to northern Argentina. USDA Growing Zones: 9–11.
What are air plants?
The term "air plant" refers to any of roughly 500 different species of flowering perennial plants in the Tillandsia genus, part of the Bromeliad family. They require no soil for their roots. Instead, they extract moisture from the air. Plants of this type are known as epiphytes, including Spanish moss. In their natural element—warm, arid regions where they do best under bright, filtered light—air plants grow on trees, anchored to the bark. Although perennial in a sufficiently warm climate, they're often grown as indoor houseplants, where they thrive under fluorescent lighting.
What is the name of the flower that blooms in spring?
Tillandsia aeranthos bergeri —which we prefer to call by its fun common name, Mad Pupper —is one of the most popular air plants because of its vibrant flowers. It blooms reliably every spring with spiky pink and blue blossoms. This is a very low-maintenance species, and, like most air plant varieties, it prefers bright, indirect light or fluorescent light.
What are air plants called?
Instead, they're simply lumped together as "air plants" or "sky plants. ". Or they may be sold simply by species name. Regardless of what you call them, here are 25 air plant types to consider for indoor growing.
Why is the sage plant so popular?
Dozens of cultivars are available, but the primary species is very popular, partly because it's extremely hardy and difficult to kill. The plant is quite attractive, too, with layers of silvery-green leaves that deepen into shades of red and pink as they grow and extend.
How big do maxima sky plants get?
The leaves turn coral red before the plant blooms with brilliant purple flowers. This cultivar is considered relatively large for an air plant, reaching 5–6 inches in height with a spread of 3–4 inches.
Why hang a grid for air plants?
A hanging grid is also a popular display for air plants because it groups together a collection and provides good air circulation. Air plants are now widely available at garden centers. Some are quite diminutive and need to be seen up close to be fully appreciated.
