a spikey air plant sits on a cotton ball inside a light blue shot glass on a bathroom shelf next to white and blue hand towels — *Photo: C. Gibson*

Air plants (Tillandsia species) are low maintenance and interesting organisms that come in many varieties, shapes, and sizes. They can add unique style to your home and plant collection. Air plants will thrive when they feel at home, so it is important to understand and mimic their native habitat.

Equatorial Climates

Tillandsia species are found around the world in tropical and subtropical environments, including the southern United States. These regions typically have hot air temperatures, high humidity, and receive longer days of sunlight all year. Mountains in the tropics experience cooler night temperatures, and some tillandsia species are adapted to this daily cycle. Plants of all kinds thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, helping to maintain humidity and nutrients in their environments.

Plants and ecosystems from around the world are threatened by poaching and other unethical collecting practices for the houseplant trade. Be sure to purchase your plants from ethical growers and sellers with the proper licenses. Never be afraid to ask growers and sellers about their plants and business - many reputable businesses are happy to share their good work!

Air Plants at Home: Housing and Medium

Air plants can be placed in just about anything.
(*Photo:C. Gibson)*

Air plants attach to other plants (“epiphyte”) or rocks (“lithophyte”) and other structures instead of in the ground. Their leaves take in water and nutrients from the air, so do not use any soil or potting mix. They can be placed in or on just about anything else. Terrariums and glass housings help maintain their preferred high humidity but can limit air flow, water regulation, and access to nutrients. Air vents can create cold or hot spots around the plants and affect their water regulation, so avoid placing your plants in those areas. Decide what housing and decorations you want for your style and creativity, then adjust the following environmental conditions as you go.

Light

Since air plants grow on other, usually taller, objects, they are not used to receiving full bright sunlight all day. Tillandsia species prefer 12-13 hours of bright indirect light received from the sun, a fluorescent lamp, or a grow light. Place up to 3 ft from the light source, farther away for brighter light or south and west facing windows, closer for a dimmer light or north and east facing windows. If you place your air plants in a glass or terrarium to provide humidity, keep it further from light to prevent burning and too much heat. Plants that do not receive enough light will not process water as quickly and can rot. Watch your plants for burns, crisps, and yellow-brown rotting leaves so you can adjust their light intensity.

Water

A Spanish moss plant with a light yellow bloom hangs from a window suction cup hook — Get creative with displaying your air plants, like this Spanish moss on a suction cup hook. (*Photo: C. Gibson*)

Air plants absorb water and anything dissolved in it, including extra chemicals that could hurt them, like chlorine. Rain water, distilled water, or water from a home reverse osmosis filter like a ZeroWater pitcher is best. Distilled water can be bought or made at home, and collecting rain water can be done in larger barrels or in a cup during a storm.

Water these plants upside down to prevent rotting at the base. Shake to remove excess water, then allow them to absorb and dry off before placing them back in their display. Consistent watering is key! Curled and crispy leaves are a sign they want longer soaks or more frequent watering. Check your plants every few days to see what they are telling you about their water needs.

Soaking method: Submerge in water and soak for 10-20 minutes, typically once every 7-12 days depending on your home humidity. If your home is dry from air conditioning or heating (humidity 75% or lower) they will need longer soak times. If you frequently open your windows to let in humid outdoor air, they will not need as long.

Spraying method: Spray to coat the leaves 2-4 times per week depending on home humidity. Watch your plants to see how they react between sprayings, then adjust timing and amounts as needed.

Fertilizer

You can make your home’s conditions similar to tillandsia’s native region, but they can never be exactly the same. Your plant may need extra nutrients to grow new leaves and flower. Consider purchasing a fertilizer spray from a reputable plant seller. Follow the instructions on the bottle and consider starting with half or one-quarter strength first.

Research Your Species

Different species of air plants have different flowering habits, life spans, health warning signs, and other characteristics. Research your specific tillandsia species or reach out to a garden partner at Leaf & Bed to dig deeper into this plant hobby.

Sources consulted:
Air Plant Supply Co. “All About Air Plants: The Genus Tillandsia.” Accessed September 9, 2023. All About Air Plants: The Genus Tillandsia – Air Plant Supply Co.

O’Neill, Tony. “How Much Sunlight Do Air Plants Need?” Simplify Gardening. Accessed September 9, 2023. How Much Sunlight Do Air Plants Need? - Simplify Gardening

Royal Horticultural Society. “Air Plants.” Accessed September 9, 2023. Air plants / RHS Gardening

Woodie, Maria. December 3, 2013. “The Magical Beauty of Tillandsia or Air Plants.” Horticulture Magazine. Accessed September 9, 2023. The Magical Beauty of Tillandsia or Air Plants - Horticulture (hortmag.com)

Air Plant Care