Air Plants (Tillandsia) are some of the easiest plants to care for. They don’t need soil and generally take their nutrients from the air. That being said this doesn’t mean they need no care!
Technically air plants are epiphytes, meaning in nature they grow on another tree, host, or object. Whilst they grow on a host they don’t grow from them, that is, they don’t steal nutrients. Air plants use tiny vessels located throughout their leaves called trichomes to capture nutrients and moisture from the air.
To survive and thrive you need to provide them with water, light and may be the occasional spray with an air plant fertiliser. If taken care of properly, Tillandsia can live for several years, flower and will even provide "pups" for additional years of enjoyment!
Here are some basic care tips, you can help your air plants thrive and enjoy their unique beauty for years to come.
Light:
lAir plants require bright, indirect light - if you can avoid North facing windows. Filtered sunlight mirrors their natural jungle environment where light is broken by the tree canopy. Bathroom and kitchen windowsills (always indirect light) are great as the steam/moisture will help to keep your plants happy. Those not getting enough light, will start to stretch out and lose their compact shape. If your home has low light you can supplement with fluorescent light.
As a general rule, silver-leaved species will tolerate brighter sun conditions. Greener leaved species will tolerate half a day of sun, dappled shade or bright indirect light. Take care to not let your air plants get too much direct sun, as this can be harmful, even in an indoor environment.
Water/humidity
Air plants prefer a humid environment, so it's a good idea to mist them more frequently during dry spells. If your home is particularly dry, you can place a tray of water near the plants or use a humidifier.
Depending on the species, air plants can be misted, soaked, or both. Most air plants prefer to be misted two to three times a week and soaked once a week for about 20-30 minutes. After soaking, gently shake off any excess water and let the plant dry completely before putting it back in its holder. Sitting water can cause rot and damage/kill the plant. If your plant is flowering ensure not to submerge the flower, as it can cause the flower to rot.
For plants that look "thirsty" or are struggling you can leave them in a bowl for a longer soak of a few hours or even overnight. A healthy air plant will have wide open leaves while a dehydrated air plant will have closed and curled leaves!
NB: When possible its best to use pond, aquarium, or rain water. It contains nitrogen as well as other nutrients. If you are using tap water, let the water stand overnight to dissipate any chemicals prior to using it to mist/water your plants. Never use distilled or artificially softened water.
Take note of the species
Thicker, smooth-leaved species and green-leaved species such as Tillandsia brachcaulos, butzii, and capitata 'peach' can be dunked or misted. Finer, silver-leaved species with fine hairs or scales such as Tillandsia tectorum, ionantha, and streptocarpa prefer to be misted. Silver-leaved species do not like to stay wet for more than a few hours and so need good air movement. Green-leaved species can stay wetter for longer and are more suited to bathrooms and more humid environments.
Air flow
Good air circulation is important for air plants, as it helps to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to rot. Make sure that your plants are not placed in stagnant, enclosed spaces. It is particularly important after watering plants have enough air circulation to dry within 4 hours.
NB Plants located close to A/C vents may dry out sooner and require more frequent hydrating.
Fertilising:
There are a variety of specific air plant fertilisers on the market. I’d recommend one of these. Whatever you use it's very important to use a non-urea-based nitrogen fertilizer, as this will provide nitrogen that is usable for Tillandsia. Urea based nitrogen uses bacteria in the soil to convert the nitrogen to usable form for plants and because Tillandsia are not planted in soil they are unable to process this type of nitrogen.
Temperature:
Most air plants prefer to be kept in temperatures between 60-85°F. They can handle short periods of higher or lower temperatures, but it's best to protect them from extreme temperatures.
Environment
The first thing to consider when determining air plant care is your environment. While we offer a general list of air plant care tips here, it is critical that you consider your environment when determining things like watering method and frequency. If you live in a drier climate, you might need to water more frequently or mist daily in between soaks, whereas if your air plants are in a place where they receive abundant humidity from the air, you may need to water less.
Sources:
RHS Plants
Air Plant Design Studio
Andy’s Air Plants