Air plants seem almost otherworldly in the way they grow, well, just in air.
Yep, no soil at all is required for grow air plants.
Plus, their leaves look a bit like alien tentacles or the appendages of an exotic sea creature.
Credit:Krystal Slagle / BHG
These fascinating little plants are different to care for thanmost other houseplants.
Use this guide to grow air plants in your home and help them thrive.
Krystal Slagle / BHG
About Air Plants
Air plants (Tillandsiaspp.)
Credit: Jacob Fox
are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants in nature, usually on tree branches.
There are hundreds of species and varieties of air plants.
you’re able to also find colorful species, likeTillandsia maxima,that have coral leaves.
Credit:Krystal Slagle / BHG
Most species produce attractive tubular or funnel-shaped flowers, too.
Youll know an air plant is getting what it needs when it blooms.
Light
As a general rule, keep air plants out of direct sunlight.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Remember, in the wild, many air plant species grow in the sheltered, shady canopy of trees.
They do best if you’re able to put them in bright butindirect sunlight.
Some species, such asT.
lindenii, can handle dappled shade or less intense morning sunlight.
In your home, you need towater your air plants about once a week.
Some varieties can go two weeks without being watered.
Monitor the air plants to determine when they need a drink or establish a weeklywatering schedule.
Protect your plants from anything colder than 45F; they die at those temperatures.
Air plants thrive in high humidity.
If your home is particularly dry in winter,add a humidifierto the room holding the plants.
Use aliquid fertilizerformulated for air plants and follow the instructions precisely.
Formulations include weekly and monthly system strengths.
Pests and Problems
Air plants are pest-resistant but occasionallysusceptible to mealybugs or scale insects.
If the weather allows, move the plant outside where birds might handle the pests for you.
Never useneem oilon air plants.
The oil creates a barrier on the leaves that prevents the plant from absorbing water.
Most air plant problems stem from improper care.
If the leaves and tips are beginning to turn brown and crispy, your plant may be dehydrated.
If the plant looks bleached out or white, it could be gettingtoo much sun.
The best way topropagate an air plant, therefore, is to removing pups from the mother plant.
you’re free to also find glass or plastic globes made specifically for hanging them.
Because they dont grow in soil, air plants can be displayed in almost any way you might imagine.
Types of Air Plants
Air plants take all kinds of sculptural forms.
Here are some great varieties to grow at home.
The flower is violet.
It grows well in partial shade.
Rubra
Tillandsia ionanthaRubra is a small air plant that grows only 2 inches tall.
It has fuzzy foliage that turns bright red to orange in direct sun.
It is perfect for display in small terrariums orseashells.
This air plant is an excellent choice for beginners and grows 6-9 inches tall.
It has dark green foliage and a pink and blue flower that often lasts for weeks.
‘Maxima’
Hailing from Mexico, Tillandsia ionantha ‘Maxima’starts out with silvery green leaves.
Over time, they turn a brilliant coral hue, and the plant eventually produces several purple flowers.
Tillandsia tectorumair plants, such as Snow, differ from the typical air plant soaking routine.
They perform best with 1 to 3 mistings per weekand no soak at all.
Rainwater is the besttype of waterfor air plants.
That way, the chlorine will dissipate.
No, air plants are not toxic to cats and dogs.
