Air Plant Passions

Air Plants are popular for low maintenance houseplants and decor right now.

The Air Plant is a Tillandsia. Tillandsia is a genus of around 650 species of evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Bromeliaceae family. The plants are native to forests, mountains, and deserts of northern Mexico and southeastern US, Caribbean, and up to mid-Argentina.

If the Bromeliaceacea name just triggered a bell for you, it should. Bromeliads are in this family who are happy cousins to pineapples. Bromeliads are everywhere and have amazing-colored flowers.

Most Tillandsia species are epiphytes        (a plant that grows on another plant)  

In nature, Air Plants have a natural propensity to cling to whatever conditions permit- telephone poles, tree branches, bark, rocks, etc. So it should be no wonder that Spanish Moss which hangs in trees is in the same family.

Due to the minimal root system, the plants have no need for pots or soil which aids in making them popular as low maintenance.

Despite the name Air Plant, they can not live on air alone. Understanding that the plant uses trichomes to absorb nutrients and moisture from the air due to the lack of roots for absorption. Trichomes are the small hair or outer growths on the plant’s surface. Most plants will appear fuzzy and silver or grey in color.

CARE

The amount of light needed varies on the color of the plant. Green varieties will manage with dimmer light sources as they really don’t like direct sunlight.

Light colors like grey and white can have increased light intensity including some direct sunlight.

All varieties will struggle with very dark areas. Allow the plant to show you what it needs, move it until a spot helps it thrive. Often the variety purchased will have a care guide.

There are 2 primary ways to water air plants. The first option is spraying with a mister two or three times a week. This method works well for plants that are fixed to displays or are in terrariums.

The second option is to submerge the Air Plant in room temperature water. The time can be a few minutes to half an hour. Let your plant tell you what it needs. What is important is to shake off any excess water. Make sure the plant is fully dry before nightfall and drop in temperature. Too much moisture will cause rot. The best time to water the plants is in the morning.

Dark green Air Plants prefer more humidity than that of grey plants but a good range for all of them is 50*F to 86* F

Feeding a least a few times a year is a good idea. Use bromeliad, cactus, or orchid food. It is important to avoid boron, copper, and zinc, as these are toxic to Tillandsias.

Propagation of Air Plants is possible using the seeds collected from the flowers it gives. The success of your caregiving rewards you with flowers but it also means the end of the plant’s life. You have done nothing wrong, it is just the cycle of the plant’s life.

Air Plants make lovely decor for your house by simply placing them in jars, vases, and other household items since there is no need for soil.

Air Plants on quartz rocks

Air Plant as part of a sculpture

Air Plants hanging by a sea urchin shell 

You can find Air Plants in most garden shops for very cheap prices. Try picking one up and give it a try. You might be amazed and easy to care for and can improve your house decor. 

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