Air Plant

How to care for air plant

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Some varieties can tolerate a few hours of direct morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon sun. Good air circulation is vital.
• Water: Soak plants in room-temperature, filtered water for 20-30 minutes once a week. Between soaks, mist 2-3 times a week, ensuring plants dry within 4 hours to prevent rot.
• Soil: Requires no soil, as it's an epiphytic plant that absorbs nutrients and water from the air and rain. Display on non-porous surfaces like wood or stone.
• Temperature: Thrives in average room temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). Protect from extreme cold or heat.
• Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity. Regular watering, whether by soaking or misting, is key to maintaining hydration.
• Fertilizer: Use a specialized tillandsia fertilizer (urea-free) diluted to quarter strength, once a month. Alternatively, use a very dilute balanced houseplant fertilizer (urea-free) for one soak a month.
• Propagation: Propagates by producing 'pups' or offsets, which can be gently removed when they are about one-third the size of the mother plant. They can also grow from seed, though this is rare for home growers.

Is air plant toxic to pets?

Pet-safe. Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making them a safe and interesting plant for households with pets. See our guide to toxic plants for cats and dogs.

Common problems

• Dry, crispy, or curling leaves: Indicates underwatering. Increase soaking frequency or duration, ensuring the plant is fully hydrated.
• Mushy base or rotting leaves: Caused by overwatering or insufficient drying time after watering. Ensure good air circulation and allow the plant to dry completely after soaking/misting.

Did you know?

Air plants have specialized cells called trichomes on their leaves that allow them to absorb water and nutrients directly from the air, eliminating the need for soil.

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