If you aren’t familiar with air plants or air plant care, here are a few things you need to know in order to impress your less informed friends.
Air Plant Care: How To Keep Air Plants Alive & Looking Beautiful
No Soil, No Problem
- Most air plants are epiphytes meaning they do not grow in soil, so don't plant them! They can grow and thrive without soil... one of the reasons why air plants pair perfectly with Braid & Wood V-Hangers and Plant Shelves.
- Even though air plants don't need soil, they still need air, light & water to survive.
Water
- Option 1: Water your air plant every 5 days to 7 days. Simply run your air plant under the faucet for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Be sure to protect the root, the base of the air plant, don’t drench it with water. Then let the plant dry upside down on a paper towel with the root facing up for 1 to 3 hours before putting it back. Make sure the plant is completely dry.
- Option 2: Soak your air plant every 8 to 10 days. If you prefer less frequent watering, then a good soak will do the trick. Fill up your kitchen sink and place the plant root base facing up and out of the water. Make sure the root isn't submerged. Let the plant soak for about 30 to 45 minutes. Then let the plant dry upside down before putting it back.
- If you live in a particularly dry climate with low humidity, air plants also love a light misting every now and then, so do that. You can snag an inexpensive mister bottle on Amazon, like this one. Don't mist the plant while it's sitting on the V-Hanger or Plant Shelf. Be sure to remove, mist, then replace.
- Do your watering in the morning
- If you want to get super fancy give your air plants a little dip in some rain water or the glass of water that's been sitting on your nightstand all day, they love that.
Light
- Air plants love soft natural indirect sunlight. Rooms with southern or eastern exposure work the best.
- If your home is super warm with lots of bright light, water your air plant more often. If your home is dark and cool, water less.
- Don't place your air plant in hot direct sunlight.
"Air plants will also tell you what they need if you pay attention. If their leaves are curling and folding in it means they're thirsty. If their leaves are falling off and the root of the plant is black it means you overwatered. Usually by that point it's too late to save them."
Overwatering is the number one killer of air plants so remember, just once every few days and you'll have a beautiful and thriving air plant for a long time.
For a lot more in-depth information on air plants & air plant care, check out this great article on what air plant need to thrive.
