Air Plants
Tillandsias, a.k.a. air plants, are a unique breed of plants in that they do not need to be in soil in order to grow. Their roots are strictly for grabbing and clinging onto things, where as their leaves absorb all the water and nutrients that the plant needs in order to survive. In nature, you will usually find air plants in humid climates, attaching themselves, sometimes upside down to the crevasse of trees in clumps with one another.
Care
Air Plants are easy to care for, however, they do need actual care! A HUGE misconception is that you do not need to do anything to air plants. NOT TRUE. Air plants need: air, water, and light. They like bright indirect or filtered light. Indirect light means that the actual rays of the sun are not touching the leaves of the plant. Keep in mind, if you have your air plant in a glass bubble or terrarium type setting, the glass amplifies the sun as well as the humidity. Just like any plant you have, you will have to test it out in different locations to see where it thrives the best. Air plants need air, yes it is true! This means that it has to have good flowing air circulation. If you want to keep it in a closed terrarium, you have to open it up or take out the air plant several times a week to breathe. If you have it in a container that you cannot get it out of, reduce the amount of sun and water it is exposed to, otherwise it will cook and rot. For watering, it depends on how much air and light it is getting. Generally, water your air plants every couple of days by either submerging it in room temperature water or dousing it with a spray bottle, and holding it upside down to let all the water drip off. Using room temperature water is important, you do not want to shock your plants. If you live in a dry climate, watering it every other day or more might be the case. It helps to have it rest on gravel or sand so that any residual water can drip away from the plant. If the air plant sits for too long in water, it will rot. Allow the plant to completely dry out between waterings.
Tips
Troubleshooting
If you see that your air plant is getting dry brown tips that start to curl, give it a good bath for a couple hours or even overnight and then resume normal watering. Do not do this all the time. If the whole plant is dry and crispy, it's probably a goner from underwatering. If it is black and mushy, especially in the middle of the plant, it's probably a goner from overwatering.
Care
Air Plants are easy to care for, however, they do need actual care! A HUGE misconception is that you do not need to do anything to air plants. NOT TRUE. Air plants need: air, water, and light. They like bright indirect or filtered light. Indirect light means that the actual rays of the sun are not touching the leaves of the plant. Keep in mind, if you have your air plant in a glass bubble or terrarium type setting, the glass amplifies the sun as well as the humidity. Just like any plant you have, you will have to test it out in different locations to see where it thrives the best. Air plants need air, yes it is true! This means that it has to have good flowing air circulation. If you want to keep it in a closed terrarium, you have to open it up or take out the air plant several times a week to breathe. If you have it in a container that you cannot get it out of, reduce the amount of sun and water it is exposed to, otherwise it will cook and rot. For watering, it depends on how much air and light it is getting. Generally, water your air plants every couple of days by either submerging it in room temperature water or dousing it with a spray bottle, and holding it upside down to let all the water drip off. Using room temperature water is important, you do not want to shock your plants. If you live in a dry climate, watering it every other day or more might be the case. It helps to have it rest on gravel or sand so that any residual water can drip away from the plant. If the air plant sits for too long in water, it will rot. Allow the plant to completely dry out between waterings.
Tips
- Some plants can take longer baths than others depending on the texture of the leaves. Green-soft leaves take more water and a bit less sun than gray or silver leaves.
- Air plants are known to not show signs of death until it is too late. Pay attention to your plant and adjust where needed, your plant should be perky and vibrant in color!
- I like to keep my air plants in the bathroom, not only is it humid (from showers) and I have a filtered window, but its super easy watering!
Troubleshooting
If you see that your air plant is getting dry brown tips that start to curl, give it a good bath for a couple hours or even overnight and then resume normal watering. Do not do this all the time. If the whole plant is dry and crispy, it's probably a goner from underwatering. If it is black and mushy, especially in the middle of the plant, it's probably a goner from overwatering.