Owning plants can sometimes feel like having a puppy: It can be stressful, there’s suddenly dirt all over your home, and the anxiety that your plant needs a little something more (or less) is overwhelming. Even if you opt for an easy option, like a beginner-friendly philodendron, they still require occasional waterings and trips to the store to pick up soil. However, there’s an easier option that rivals even faux fiddle leaf fig trees: Air plants.
What are air plants?
There are many different species of air plants, but a popular variety you may be familiar with are tillandsias. Air plants don’t require any soil to grow. You may have seen them out in the wild, either drifting along on the ground or growing on trees. Called «commence growing,» air plants plants pull all the minerals and water they need from the air, and only use their roots to stabilize themselves by attaching to nearby trees–without zapping their nutrients. Some varieties, such as bromeliads, are thought to be helpful in removing pollution from the air.
How do you care for air plants at home?
Because of this «commence growing» technique, air plants are one of the easiest species to keep at home. They can be kept in terrariums or in pots with no soil, and only require modest upkeep. As they typically grow in the wild in the shade of a tree’s leaves, air plants require indirect sunlight to stay healthy. Too much sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little can lead to a lack of nutrients. Air plants should be kept indoors, away from extreme weather.
How often should air plants be watered?
Air plants do require frequent waterings. Because they don’t live in soil, the two most common ways to properly hydrate air plants is either to soak them in a pot of water once a week for twenty minutes, or gently mist them 2-3 times a week. To help them receive all the nutrients they need, adding a fertilizer to your mister once or twice a month can help them stay healthy.
Can you propagate air plants?
Yes! There are many different types of air plants, and each species has a different method with which you can propagate. Some varieties can be pruned, and the cuts can be used to grow new plants. Others create offsets from the «mother» that can be separated to create a new plant. Be sure to research your specific variety before propagating.
What are common diseases and pests to air plants?
Air plants are susceptible to root rot, so you’ll want to avoid overwatering them. Mushy stems are a common indicator that your plant is over-hydrated. On the other hand, browning leaves could be a sign they require more moisture. Other common pests are bugs, so be sure to gently wipe down your plants if you notice any signs of them.
Do air plants have flowers?
Some varieties of air plants bloom once in their lifetime, sometimes for just a few days, and sometimes for a year. There’s no definite guide to when your air plant will bloom, so you’ll have to be patient. After a bloom, prune your air plant near the base and allow it to grow back healthy.
Are air plants pet-safe?
Because there are so many varieties of air plants, you’ll want to do research on your specific species to make sure you keep your pets safe. Tillandsias, a common air plant, are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Terrain Assorted Air Plants, Pack of 25
Mkono Plant Terrarium Display Glass
Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
