Airplants 101: How to Care for These Unique Plants
Airplants have recently become increasingly popular among indoor plant enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why—they require no soil, their leaves are soft to the touch, and they add a peaceful vibe to any space. However, many people who choose to purchase an airplant don’t know how to properly care for one, resulting in dying plants that could have easily been saved with the right instruction. To help you avoid this type of situation, we’ve put together this guide on how to care for airplants and keep them thriving in your home or office space.
What Are Airplants?
An airplant is a member of the Tillandsia family, which includes over 1,200 different species. They are also known as epiphytes and grow on other plants or trees. There are around 100 different varieties of airplants, but the most popular ones come from Central America and South America. Airplants are living plants that need to be watered at least once every seven days and should be placed in indirect light during the day.
Who Should Grow Them?
Anyone who lives in a temperate climate and wants to add a bit of zen green into their decor. Air plants are low-maintenance, require no soil or pots, and can be hung on the wall, placed on shelves, or set atop furniture.
Where Can You Buy Airplant Seeds?
While you may be able to find some airplant seeds at your local garden store, it is more likely that they will only carry airplant cuttings. The easiest way to get a new plant started is by taking a cutting from an existing one and planting it in potting soil. You can also propagate plants by dividing the root ball.
What Kind of Soil Do They Need?
One of the most common misconceptions about airplants is that they need soil. Airplants are epiphytes, meaning they grow upon other plants or rocks using only their roots to extract water and nutrients from the air. Air plants are not picky about soil types but will do best with a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture, as these plants like humidity.
1 In order to provide humidity, mist your airplant daily using either clean rainwater or distilled water.
What Is The Best Way To Water Them?
The best way to water an airplant is by submerging the pot in a container of water. This will ensure that the airplant is well hydrated and healthy. If you choose not to submerge your pot in water, you can mist them with a spray bottle or soak them with a plant mister every two days or so. Just be sure not to over saturate the plant because this can lead to rotting and damage.
How To Plant An Air Plant In Potting Mix?
-Start with a clean and dry container.
-Fill the container with an airplant potting mix, which you can purchase at most gardening stores.
-Plant your airplant in the potting mix. Airplants grow well when they’re planted in groups, so feel free to plant more than one airplant in each container.
-Water your airplant by submerging it in water until the water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of your container.
What Kind of Light Do They Need?
For the best lighting, an east-facing window is ideal. Air plants can do well with light from a west-facing window, but they will need to be brought inside at night when the sun sets. A south-facing window is not recommended because it will cause air plants to dry out more quickly than they should.
How Often Should I Water My Airplant?
The frequency of watering your airplant will depend on what type of pot you use and how often it gets direct sunlight. If the plant is in a container that has a drainage hole, then you can water every 2-3 days or whenever the soil appears dry. If the plant is in a non-draining container, it will take longer to dry out and therefore should be watered more often. The best way to tell if your airplant needs water is by inspecting its leaves.
Other Basic Tips For Growing Healthy Airplants
Air plants need a lot of light, so place them near a window or invest in grow lights if you’re planning on keeping them indoors.
Water your air plants only when they need it. Overwatering can cause the plant’s roots to rot and the leaves will drop
