Air Plants, also known as Tillandsia's, are some of the easiest plants to grow. While they are called "Air Plants" they still need water, nutrients, and light to survive. Air Plants are technically Epiphytes meaning they grow on another tree, host, or object. However they do not steal nutrients from their host, only using it as a home to grow on. Air Plants use tiny vessels located throughout their leaves called trichomes to capture nutrients and moisture from the air in its environment!

The amazing thing about Air Plants is that they use their roots to anchor themselves to an object which allows them to grow in a variety of locations naturally. This flexibility of growth allows Air Plants to be used in a variety of scenarios which has lead to increased popularity of Tillandsias for decoration of home and office.

While Air Plants are known for being easy to grow, they still do need attention to survive and live a healthy life. If taken care of, Tillandias will live for several years and will even provide "pups" for additional years of enjoyment!

See below for information on how to care for your Plant, and ensure many years of enjoyment.


Light:

One of the most important things any living creature needs is light, and Air Plant are no exception. If you are keeping your plants indoors, you will want to make sure that they are near an adequate light source. This can be within 3-5 feet of a window, or near an artificial light source. Take care to not let your Air Plants get too much direct sun, as this can be harmful even in an indoor environment. If you are keeping your plants outside, make sure they are in a shaded area, that does not receive full sun. There are only a few varieties that can handle direct sun.

Artificial light can also be a sufficient source, as long as the plants are not too far and receive adequate amounts per day.
Water:

If you keep your Air Plants indoor, they will be healthiest with watering 2-3 times a week. Plants that are constantly being dried out from A/C or heaters will require more moisture than a plant that is located in a more humid environment. You can also mist your plants as needed, in between watering but misting should not be used as a sole source of moisture. We prefer to use a dunking method when we water, and then every other week or so we will give the plants a longer soak for an hour or 2. Always take care to gently shake any excess water off the base of the plants, as sitting water can cause rot and damage/kill the plant. It is recommended that you water your plants in the morning, and leave them out of their containers in an area that they can dry within 4 hours. Never let your Air Plant sit in water for prolonged periods of time!

Remember that each plant variety is different, and will require different watering schedules than others. Never put your air plants in soil, it will harm them!
Air:

Another important variable that is important to your Air Plant, is you guessed it...Air! The plants will need good clean air circulation to survive and live a healthy life. Its important that after watering the plants have enough air circulation to dry within 4 hours. While Air Plants will do well in containers, it is recommended that they do not be displayed in enclosed containers, and that they are completely dry before they are put back into a container that might restrict air circulation.
Temperature:

Air Plants are found in a wide variety of temperatures, but mainly range from 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer:

Bromeliad fertilizer can be used twice a month in small quantities. Air Plants can be sensitive to fertilizers so make sure not to over do it!
Trimming:

Over time your air plants will grow new leaves, and loose some. Feel free to trim any brown or dead leaves off your plant with scissors, trimming at an angle to give the end of the leaf a nature appearance after trimming. Most air plant varieties will be shipped with roots intact, and can removed if you like. The roots are solely used to anchor the plant to its host, and can be kept on the plant and used to anchor your plant to a display with a little superglue or hot glue.
Pups:

As your air plant begins to mature and run through its bloom cycle, it will produce babies also known as "pups". You can either remove the pup once it reaches around 1/3 of the size of the mother plant, or you can leave the pups on and they will eventually form a "clump". An air plant "clump" can be hung be a string and is sure to impress as it grows and continually blooms!



There are three main things to be aware of when you are taking care of your Air Plant; Water, Air, and Light. Depending on your environment, you will need to adjust these variable to ensure you have a healthy plant. Pay attention to the condition of your plant, as it will tell you whether it needs more water, less light, etc. Over time taking care of your Air Plants will become second nature, and you will be able to enjoy years of enjoyment with these beautiful and unique plants!