Air Plants

They need no soil and can be a decorative addition to any room when mounted on a rock, in a seashell or on pottery or wood.

Growth Cycle

The air plant flowers only once in its lifetime, between summer and winter, and this bloom can last as little as a few days up to several months, depending on the variety.

During its growth cycle, it can produce up to eight young plants, called pups, which follow this same cycle.

It can be grown indoors or out, as long as you provide adequate water and light for its survival.

It prefers temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and tolerates overnight temperatures to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Light

Bright, filtered light is best. The more humid the environment is, the more light will be tolerated.

Some varieties can be grown in full sun outdoors as long as there is some humidity.

Indoors, fluorescent bulbs within 36 inches of the plant for twelve hours per day will provide adequate lighting.

Water

Outdoors in a temperate climate there may be no need to water an air plant. It will draw enough moisture from the air and from average rainfall.

However, never allow the plant to sit in water and mist occasionally to increase humidity. Once wet, it should dry out within 4 hours to prevent the plant from rotting.

If you have it in any type of container that holds water, be sure to empty it out.

Water in the morning, since the plant absorbs carbon monoxide in the evening and needs to be dry to do this.

Indoors, in average conditions, wet the plant every two to three weeks; in dry homes, every one to two weeks; and in more humid homes, every three to four weeks.

Once completely wet, turn the plant upside down and gently shake out any water in the cup of the leaves. This sitting water can kill the plant.

Fertilize

Bromeliad fertilizer can be used two times per month to promote healthy growth and formation of pups. Houseplant fertilizer should be diluted to quarter strength.

Air

Provide good circulation for the air plant to dry in a few hours after watering. It should never remain wet or moist for more than three or four hours.

Transplanting Pups

When the pups on the air plant are about half the size of the mother plant, hold them at the base and twist gently downward.

If this does not separate the two, cut the pup off as close as possible to the mother plant. The mother plant will not bloom again, but will continue to produce pups for several years.

Mounting Air Plants

You can grow your air plants on rocks, in pots or trays, attached to a piece of driftwood, or in any other container that will allow you to water it and provide it with adequate light.

You can glue or wire the plant in place. Avoid using superglue or any kind of copper wiring or base, as these will kill an air plant. If the plant has adequate roots, you can also carefully staple or nail the roots to a surface.

Your air plants will provide you with many years of enjoyment and add many additional plants to your collection of houseplants with very little work.

More Plants Info