It’s essential to learn how to water air plants, because keeping them properly hydrated can be tricky.
There’s a good reason air plants have their name.
They don’t have roots like other plants for absorbing water from soil.
Credit:BHG / Juli Lopez-Castillo
Instead,air plantsget water and nutrients from the air around them.
That’s because the air in our homes is typically very dry (and hopefully rain-free).
First, fill a sink or bowl with room-temperature water, deep enough to completely submerge each air plant.
Credit:BHG / Juli Lopez-Castillo
Let your plants soak for 30 to 60 minutes.
After removing your plants from the water, gently shake off excess moisture.
Putting your plants in front of asmall fanon a low setting will also help them dry off completely.
Credit:BHG / Juli Lopez-Castillo
Any moisture pooling at the base of the leaves may cause rot, so this drying step is critical.
Xeric air plants may require less frequent soaking than mesic types.
The edges of each leaf will curl inward along its length as the plant uses up moisture.
Meanwhile, mesic air plants are native to humid areas and require less direct sunlight but need more water.
The Best Water for Air Plants
Thebest water for air plants is rainwater.
Pond or aquarium water will also work because they all contain some nutrients.
Regular tap water is okay, too, but first, let it sit in an open container overnight.
“This allows chlorine to dissipate and the water to reach room temperature,” says Steil.
Too much chlorine can causeleaf tips to turn brown.
Steil discourages the use of softened or distilled water.
In addition to water, air plants absorb nutrients through their leaves.
Add a little fertilizer to the soaking water once a month, according to the label directions.
Or, after soaking your air plants, spritz them with a pre-mixed air plant fertilizer once a month.
They can do quite well in this situation, but it can make watering the plant a little awkward.
How to Water Air Plants with Flowers
Be careful when watering flowering air plants.
Wetting the flower will shorten the bloom period.
Instead, submerge the leaves but keep the flower out of the water.
“If this is too difficult, mist the leaves frequently, but avoid wetting the flower.
The key towatering air plantsis to soak the leaves every week to 10 days.
Then, always double-check to let the houseplants dry upside down before returning them to their regular spots.
Tips for Watering Other Plants
Different types of plants have different fertilizing andwatering needs.
Plan a schedule for your indoor and outdoor plants by learning their requirements.
Don’t make thesemistakes in your vegetable garden, and you’ll have a bountiful harvest.
Since they don’t require anchoring in soil, there is no best way to display air plants.
They can bring a touch of greenery and unique form to many parts of your home.
Individual air plants will live between 2-5 years.
It depends on the exact key in of plant and the care it is receiving.
However, one plant can produce enough offshoots to continue living for decades to come.
Air plants do need fresh air to grow, but that doesn’t mean they must be placed outside.
Simply place them near a window or any other spot with good air circulation.
