Plant Modern

Air plants are a unique and beautiful plant perfect for the modern home. With a minimum of care, they will grow and thrive. Below is a little bit of information about these unique little plants.

Air plants all belong to the genus Tillandsia. In the wild, they are found in rain forests in Central and South America, the southern United States (Spanish Moss), and parts of the West Indies. They are epiphytes, meaning that they live on other plants, Not in a parasitic way, more like they piggyback on larger plants, such as the branches of trees. Some do grow roots, but these function to grasp more firmly on their support. The roots do not absorb moisture or nutrients. Instead, these are absorbed directly though the leaves of the plants.

With this background of where these plants grow naturally, we better understand what the plants will be looking for in your home.

Light

These plants typically live on branches high up in the canopy of the rain forest. These means they prefer the kind of bright, filtered light that filters through the leaves and branches of the trees above. In the home, placingthem near a window is typically sufficient, unless that window is a south facing window that has full bright sun all day, then it may be a little too bright for the air plant. If this is the only window you have available, just move the plant a foot or so back from the window to dissipate some of the intensity.

Not all air plants have the same light requirements, though moderate light windows will be suitable for nearly any air plant. Generally, plants with white or light gray leaves prefer stronger light. Plants that are darker green are more adapted to milder lighting conditions.

Wind

Air plants live in the high canopy of rain forests. As such, they are used to a gentle breeze. In the home, you do not have to have a fan going on them, but try to place them in a place where the air is not stuffy and stagnant. The better they can breathe, the better they can grow. The air plant should be able to get completely dry within four hours from the last watering. If it does not, either move the plant to a more open location, or dial back the watering.

Water

Water is the single most important aspect of air plant care. Since they do not have roots that function like most other plants, they are very dependent on water and nutrients being available to their leaves.

There are two main ways to water air plants: dunking and spraying. Dunking the plant means submerging it in water, then removing it promptly, and letting it dry. This ensures that the plant is thoroughly wet and has the chance to get all the water that it needs. Most people recommend the dunking method, as it gives the plant the chance to thoroughly soak up all the water it wants. This should be done about once a week, for no more than 10 minutes per soak. This is important, as air plants have no way to stop absorbing water. So they will swell up and pop (perhaps a little dramatic, but you know what I mean.) When you remove the plants from the soak, sit them upside down to allow the water to drain out from between the leaves.

The other watering method is spraying. This is done with a typical spray bottle (buy a new one just for this purpose. While recycle/reuse is admirable, a spray bottle that had cleaners in it before may still hold residue poisonous to air plants). Spray the plant with water, ensuring that the entire plant gets wet. Water should drip from the plant when you are done. With this method, watering is more frequent. It still may not be enough water though, so periodic soaking is advisable.

Fertilizing

Once or twice a month, the air plants should be fertilized. Remember, the water you give them is the only source of nourishment that the little plants have access to. So once or twice a month they should be sprayed with a fertilizer. Air plants are susceptible to over nourishment, so use a fertilizer specifically designed for this type of plant, such as bromeliad fertilizers (17-18-22).

Temperature

Air plants come from warm tropical areas. It is little surprise then that they don't like to get cold. They will thrive in the temperature range in most homes, but never let them get colder than 50 degrees (Fahrenheit). They do enjoy going outside for the summer if that is an option. Just remember to bring them back inside when winter approaches.

Warning Signs

Houston, we have a problem. There are a few signs that your air plant is in trouble. Here is a quick guide to the symptoms and the solutions:

Brown leaves/shriveled, wrinkly curling leaves/leaves falling off.

Your plants are thirsty! Soak them immediately in water. Then, increase your watering schedule.

Black leaves/leaves falling off

Rot. Your plant has rot. This is caused by the plant being too wet for too long. Unfortunately, when rot occurs, the plant is almost certainly doomed. Let it dry out completely, then water it sparingly. It may recover. But in the future, make sure your plants do not have water trapped in the leaves, water doesn't collect around the base, and that their is sufficient air flow around the plant.

Brown tips on the leaves

It's too bright! Or, under watering. This sign is a little harder to pinpoint. If you are sure the plants are getting enough water, try moving them a little further from the window, or maybe to a window facing a different direction. But this problem is solvable.

Soggy leaves/sickly coloration/outer leaves falling off

It's too dark! Try moving it closer to the window, or try a different window. But do it quickly, your plant is hungry for that sweet sunshine.