Air plants: Do?s and Don?ts

Posted by tedmark on March 3rd, 2013

Air plants represent plants that do not need soil to grow, because they are regularly attached to other plants. When they are not connected to trees or other plants, they manage to survive because they get their nutrients from the air; dust, insect matter, dirt and moisture, everything is a potential source of food and water for these plants. In order to have healthy Tillandsia, their owners need to understand how these plants work; this can be achieved by researching thoroughly all the information about this plant, in books and on the Web. This is the first Do regarding this plant.

The next Do refers to the watering process. As we have seen, it is important to allow this plant to enjoy a humid environment. However, in the situation in which this is not possible, the owner of such plant should spray the plant with water and liquid fertilizers. Although air plants are not designed to emphasize beautiful blooms, but to purify the air of the locations where they are placed, some of them feature lovely flowers. Well, to help them generate more pups, and then flowers, use some fertilizers, as recommended by florists. Also, pay attention to what happens with the plant after being watered; if it presents some excessive water or fertilizer, make sure to wipe it with a clean cloth.

The first Don't regarding Tillandsia says that this type of plants should not be immersed into water, but only sprayed with water. At the same time, this spraying operation should not occur on a daily basis. Think of your other plants, do you water them daily? If you do not, why should you have another behavior with your air plant? Remember that a plant like this is capable of holding moisture due to its leaves, and does not require to be watered too often. Also, it gets water from the moisture present in the air, so even if you do not water it for a week, your plant will do just fine.

Temperature is not that important to this type of plants. However, they should not be left outside in the garden during winter to freeze. Some rare varieties endure temperatures of -10°C, but regular plants like this prefer temperatures between 10°C and 32°C. And this is how the final Don’t takes its shape: Do not let your plants in extreme temperature conditions. Taking care of plants like this means not only to ensure they have enough sunlight, water and nutrients, but also to provide them with a proper environment for development.

Passionate about air plants? Enter our website to discover more about abdita, aeranthos, amethyst, funckiana, ionantha and other plants included in the Tillandsia genus, and to purchase these wonders and also glass globes, terrariums, vases and all sorts of mini pots, where these plants can be grown and displayed to your delight and joy. By visiting the website, you will also benefit of important recommendations for air plant care and of ideas for displaying these plants in your house or at the office, in an attractive way.