How to properly care for air plants

Are you wondering how to care for air plants? If so, you're certainly not alone. Over 34 million US households participate in some form of indoor gardening, like caring for house plants!

Air plant care is pretty simple once you know the basic steps. In this guide, we'll teach everyone how to water air plants, how to contain them, how much light they need, and more.

First, let's discuss some basic facts about this fascinating plant.

What are air plants?

Air plants are enchanting creatures. They come from the Tillandsia genus in hundreds of different species. You can choose from a wide variety of swirling, colorful, cool grey, fuzzy, large, or small plants.

Air plants are so-called for a couple of reasons. First, they derive nutrients from the air around them. They also don't require the use of soil or fertilizer (unless you're trying to promote blooming), so you can leave them and their roots exposed to the air. Air plants are also epiphytes, which means they can grow on other plant surfaces, like trees. From there, they absorb from the air around their home. They don't take any nutrients or moisture from their host, so it doesn't harm the host at all. You'll sometimes come across fuzzier air plants while plant shopping. These fuzzy guys come from drier climates that get less rain. You can use this tip to help you buy one that fits with your home's humidity, air quality, and sunshine levels.

How to water air plants

So, these plants can do without soil, which begs the question of how to water air plants.

1. Soaking air plants every 1-2 weeks has significant benefits. Use a bowl or bucket of tap or filtered water, and soak your air plant in it for at least 10 minutes. Once the air plant is sufficiently soaked, take it out.

2. Shake off any excess water droplets, as too much water can rot your plant. Once the excess is shaken off, place your plant on a towel or paper towel to dry in low light. If it's not dry in a few hours, expose it to brighter light so it can thoroughly dry.

3. A too-wet plant will rot. Air plants also enjoy occasional misting. Mist your air plant until it's wet but not too moist, or dripping water. You can do this on the off-week when you're not soaking the plant.

4. You can also follow the seasons, too. For hotter, brighter days, your air plant will probably need more water. On overcast, winter days, it can possibly go longer in between watering sessions. And if your air plant sits in a place where it gets more light exposure, it could use more frequent misting.

As you can see, there are some variables to consider when caring for air plants. Since we mentioned light exposure, let's move on to that next.

How much light do air plants need?

We cited that some plants come from warmer climates with less rain. These plants can withstand brighter, more direct light. However, different species of air plants require different lighting levels, too. Most air plants require indirect but bright light. Air plants that get more light will need a bit more water maintenance. Air plants that grow in areas with dimmer light can skip misting as often. And those with little-to-no light may even need artificial light. It helps to know which windows in your home will get the most light exposure:

• South-facing windows get very bright, direct light. If you want less light, place your plant a few feet away from the window, or to its side

• West-facing windows get long periods of direct sun, but it's never at the hottest points of the day

• East-facing windows get less intense, low-to-medium levels of sun

• North-facing windows get high light levels and may dry out individual species of air plants

In general, west- and east-facing windows are good options for air plants. Evaluate regularly and adjust positions as needed.

We mentioned some plants requiring artificial light. This is necessary in the case that a room has no windows for light exposure. Air plants can thrive well using fluorescent lighting, so be sure to invest in fluorescent light bulbs. Like a window, keep plant no more than about 3 feet from the artificial light source—and no closer than about 6 inches to prevent burning or drying up. It's also best to keep the lights on a timer, providing your plant with at least 12 hours of light per day. A timer can achieve this for you if, say, your plant lives at work, and you're off for the weekend.

Air plant container options

You can have fun with your air plants and set them up in a variety of ways. They look great as standalone pieces, but they also look really cool in different settings or terrariums. 

Many people go for the glass fishbowl look. Placing some moss, rocks, and a group of different-looking air plants in one bowl makes a great centerpiece. You can also set your air plant in a little dish or tray, which can then be put anywhere—a bookshelf, end table, bedside table, dinner table. And just like traditional houseplants, you can always stick your air plant upright in any plant pot. Air plant containers know no limits! Now that you know how to take care of air plants, get creative.

Anyone can learn how to care for air plants

Air plants are a straightforward plant for everyone looking to add some nature into their lives—green thumb or not. Air plants are simple, beautiful, and low-maintenance. What's not to love?

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