Air plants have been growing in popularity as household plants for the past few years. These incredible species are unique from other household plants because of their appearance and how they are grown. Keep reading to learn about air plants, how to style them in your home, as well as how you can grow and care for them like a pro.
What are Air Plants?
Air plants are known as epiphytes which means that they attach to other plants for support, such as tree branches. This means that they don’t require soil or even a container to grow in. Hundreds of species of air plants exist in the wild. They thrive in warmer climates with high humidity. Air plants can also make excellent house plants. Their leaves typically look like tentacles that overlap each other in patterns that are similar to those of the petals of a rose. New leaves sprout from the centre of the plant. These funky plants can be found in a variety of colours including silver, green, and coral tones. Air plants are so versatile as decorations because they don’t require soil to grow. In fact, they can be grown in nothing but the air. Although they are dramatically different from other plants, air plants are generally easy to care for, you don’t need a green thumb for your plant to thrive.
How to Style Your Air Plants
Since they do not require soil to grow, air plants can be styled in a variety of different ways to add a chic element of natural décor to your home. You can display them individually or display them together with other plants. Some people like to arrange them in large terrariums. You can also get creative by arranging your air plants into wreaths or hanging mobiles. They can be attached to virtually anything from other living plants, to magnets, to pieces of driftwood. Since they both prefer similar conditions, you can often find these epiphytes bonded to orchid branches. Another way to display your air plants is by purchasing plastic, glass globes or holders that are made specifically for hanging them in. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this! The globes you choose don’t have to be clear. You can find coloured globes that complement the colour of your air plant. These unique plants are so incredible because there is an opportunity to be artistic with how they are styled. You can arrange them however you desire and secure them to your displays using nothing but a bit of fishing line.
How to Care for Air Plants
Air plants are the perfect option for people who are just learning how to care for plants. Although they do not need to be potted in soil, air plants still require a certain amount of water and light. They also thrive in certain temperatures, just like any other house plant. If your air plant is getting the proper care, it will let you know by sprouting up beautiful tubular flowers. Don’t worry when the blooms begin to dry out, this is normal. All you have to do is prune the dried-up flowers by snipping them off, and your plant will continue to produce more gorgeous blooms.
How to Water Your Air Plant
Watering air plants is a bit different from watering other household plants. Since these epiphytes are used to growing in high humidity environments with heavy rainfall, you will want to water them at least once a week. However, some varieties of air plants can go up to two weeks without water. If your air plant is beginning to look a bit dry or sickly, it may just need a drink of fresh water. To water your air plant, simply fill up a jar or bowl with some water and submerge your plant into it. You will want to let it soak for about 30 minutes before you turn them over or set it on a towel to drain out the excess water. If you return your plant without draining it, the extra water droplets could corrode the leaves and blooms, leaving you with a weakened house plant. After your plant is sufficiently dry, you can return it to its designated spot in your home. Another way to keep air plants hydrated and looking fresh is by misting them with a spray bottle every other day. Keep in mind that you still need to water them from time to time, but it will be less often if you are keeping up with a spray bottle between waters. It’s especially helpful to spritz your air plants with water during the dry months of winter.
How Much Sunlight Does My Air Plant Require?
When growing in the wild, air plants tend to thrive in shaded areas that are protected from direct sunlight underneath the canopy of the trees above. For that reason, your air plant will thrive when it is out of direct sunlight. This doesn’t mean that you should hide your plant away in a darkened corner of your house, it still needs some natural light. Instead, aim to place your air plant in a brightly lit area of your home that does not get hit with direct sunlight. Some air plant species, such as the T. cyanea or T. lindenii are more tolerant to sunlight and thrive in environments with mild morning sunlight or dappled shade.
What Temperature Should I Keep My Air Plant At?
Air plants thrive in warmer weather, so it’s important to make sure your plant is staying warm enough all year round. The ideal season for air plants outdoors is the springtime. If outdoor temperatures tend to drop below 7.2 degrees Celsius where you live, you will want to keep these plants inside your home all year round so they can stay warm. However, if you live in warmer climates, you will be able to grow your air plant outdoors all year round. Just make sure to keep it dry in the winter.