What Are Air Plants?
Air plants are unique in that they grow without soil. They’re members of the genus Tillandsia and the bromeliad family. Instead of using roots to absorb water, they use them to anchor them in place to logs, trees and other surfaces. Air plants are non-parasitic and absorb water and dissolved nutrients primarily through specialized leaf scales called trichomes. In nature, these resources come from rain, fog, dew, atmospheric deposits, dust and decomposing organic material that contacts the leaves.
How to Grow Air Plants
Air plants are easy to grow once you understand their basic needs: water, light and good airflow.
Step 1: Select Your Air Plant
Choose a healthy air plant with firm leaves and consistent color.
Place the air plant in an open container, air plant holder or another display that allows air to circulate freely around the leaves.
Step 3: Water Your Air Plant
For many commonly sold air plants, soaking in room-temperature water for about 20–30 minutes provides thorough hydration. However, watering needs and suitable methods vary by species: some xeric, heavily silvered plants require less frequent or shorter watering, while greener mesic species generally need more moisture. Adjust according to the species, humidity, temperature and airflow in your home. After soaking, gently shake off the excess water.
Alternatively, you can use the heavy-mist method by filling a spray bottle with water and misting the air plant until the plant is dripping wet and all the leaves are saturated. Light spritzing isn’t enough.
Use misting as a supplemental watering method. For the long-term health of many air plant species, provide thorough hydration by soaking or rinsing as appropriate for the plant.
If your air plant is attached to a large or heavy display, you don’t have to remove it for watering. Thoroughly wet the plant in place, then tilt the display, if possible, to drain excess water. Make sure the plant has good airflow and dries completely, especially around the base and between the leaves.
Step 2: Select a Spot for Your Air Plant
Find a spot for your air plant. Look for a spot near a window that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Prolonged direct sunlight can dry out or scorch the leaves, although many species tolerate full sun in nature.
Step 4: Allow Your Air Plant to Dry
Ensure the plant dries completely to help prevent water from collecting between the leaves or in the crown, where prolonged moisture can lead to rot.
Caring for Your Air Plant
Air plants are native to tropical and warm-temperate climates; however, their natural growing conditions vary by species. Most commonly sold air plants adapt well to typical indoor temperatures found in most homes. Most air plants are comfortable at typical indoor temperatures. Aim for about 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoid frost, cold drafts and extreme temperatures. Never display them near cold drafts and heating or cooling vents as these can cause sudden temperature changes or dry out the leaves.
Be aware when placing an air plant in a warm, dry room. The air plant may need more frequent watering than those in humid areas. Always provide good airflow around the plant, especially after watering.
Light
Air plants thrive with as much bright but indirect sunlight as they can get. A spot near an east- or west-facing window can provide suitable light for many varieties.
Water
Along with sunlight, air plants require water to thrive indoors. There are a couple of ways to water your air plants, as noted in Step 3, above.
Remember to gently shake off excess water after each watering and place the plant upside down on a towel to dry completely.
Fertilizer
Air plants don’t require fertilizer to survive. However, occasional feeding can help support healthy growth and flowering. If you choose to fertilize, use a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for bromeliads, orchids or air plants. Follow the product label for mixing and application. Fertilize sparingly. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant. Add the fertilizer to the water and water the plant as usual.
With consistent care, an air plant will slowly grow and mature. Sizes vary considerably by species. Many eventually produce flowers and small offsets, called pups, that can grow into new plants.
Air plant fertilizers are sold in different concentrations and formulas. Always follow the product label directions.
Follow all personal protective equipment instructions on the fertilizer label.
Common Air Plant Problems and How to Fix Them
Your air plant's leaves can provide clues about its growing conditions. Curling leaves and dry, brown tips may indicate that the plant needs more moisture, while soft, dark or mushy areas can be a sign of excess moisture or rot. Pale or scorched areas may indicate too much intense direct sunlight.
Not every change means something is wrong. The chart below lists common air plant problems and what you can do to remedy them.
| What You See | What It May Mean | What You Should Do |
| Curling or tightly rolled leaves | The air plant may be dehydrated. | Water the plant thoroughly. Consider whether your plant needs to be watered more frequently. |
| Dry, brown leaf tips | The surrounding air may be very dry, or the plant may need more moisture. | Consider your watering routine and adjust as needed. |
| Soft, mushy or dark areas | Trapped water or excess moisture may be causing rot. | Allow the plant to dry thoroughly after watering and improve the airflow. |
| Pale, bleached or scorched areas | The plant may be getting intense direct sunlight. | Relocate to a space that has bright, indirect light. |
| Leaves falling from the center | When combined with a soft or dark base, this may indicate rot. | Check for trapped moisture and improve drying and airflow. |
| Dry lower leaves | Older leaves may be naturally dying. | Gently remove fully dried leaves, if they pull away easily. |
| Red, pink or other color changes | Some air plants change colors as they prepare to flower. | Continue your normal care routine and watch for a bloom. |
| Small plants growing around the base | The plant is producing offsets, or pups. | Leave them attached to form a cluster or separate them once they’re large enough. |
Check Your Air Plants for Pests
Air plants aren't particularly prone to pests. However, mealybugs and scale can occasionally become a problem. If you suspect bug activity, check between the leaves, around the plant’s base and on the undersides of the leaves for small, hard bumps (scale) or cottony fluff (mealybugs).
When you find signs of pests, immediately isolate the affected plant from your other plants. Gently remove visible insects with a soft cloth, brush or cotton swab without damaging the plant. If further treatment is necessary, use a product labeled for the pest and appropriate for the plant. Keep the plant isolated and inspect it regularly. Once you no longer see signs of pests, you can return it to it’s usual location.
Always read and follow the pesticide label, including application, safety and ventilation instructions. Keep pesticides away from children and pets.
Creative Ways to Display Your Air Plant
- Place them inside an open or well-ventilated glass terrarium with glass pebbles or marbles.
- Nestle small air plants directly into the natural crevices of raw amethyst clusters, rose quartz or celestite blocks.
- Use hollow geode halves as natural, sparkling bowls to cradle larger single plants.
- Attach them to driftwood.
- Twist stiff copper or brass wire into a conical spring shape that holds the base of the air plant and allows air to flow through.
- Use in a hanging air plant holder.
- Place them inside bright, colorful shot glasses and arrange them decoratively.
Air Plant Care Tips
- Don’t plant air plants in soil. Their roots primarily function as holdfasts; air plants obtain most of their water and nutrients through their leaves.
- Ensure that your air plant receives lots of bright, indirect light.
- Keep air plants between 50 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water air plants regularly, adjusting the frequency for the species and conditions in your home. One method is to soak the plant in room-temperature water for about 20 to 30 minutes, then shake off excess water and allow it to dry completely.
- Watch for signs of thirst; mist between soaks if the room is dry.
- Ensure there’s plenty of airflow.
Growing Healthy Air Plants
Growing healthy air plants comes down to the basics: plenty of bright, indirect light, thorough watering and complete drying afterwards. With the proper care routine, you can enjoy these distinctive plants throughout your home. Shop your nearest Lowe’s online or in-store for air plants, decorative holders and other supplies to help them thrive.