9 Tips for Growing Exotic Air Plants Anywhere

Can you imagine gardening and not even having to use soil? Then, we have the plant just for you – the Tillandsias plant. This exotic plant is a member of the bromeliad family which has plants like the pineapple and other ornamental plants.

These pretty, flowering, and exotic plants are found in abundance in Central and South America without needing any soil. Tillandsias, have been coined a named called, “Air Plants” because of their lack of need for soil.

Air plants have become the new “It” plants as they add a great pop of greenery to a room in fun and fashionable ways. In the past, these plants had an exotic reputation, but now are known for their easy to maintain characteristics. Because they do not need soil, they can be placed in practically any container. This is a fun way for designers to use their creativity to add these exotic plants to any household.

While these plants are very low maintenance and are great additions for indoors and outdoors, don’t let the nickname fool you, as these plant do need more than just air to survive. The Tillandsia plant uses the leaves to receive the adequate amount of nutrients and sunlight it needs to survive. Since these plants might be new to the average gardener, let’s dive in to some basic tips for helping these exotic plants thrive in your garden.

Tip 1: Buy from A Nursery

When buying an air plant, you might want to consider choosing to buy from a nursery first. If you start from seed, prepare to wait a few years before you get to experience their stunning flowers. Once you have an adult plant, you can propagate them as each adult plant can have up to 12 “pups” or baby Tillandsia plants.

Tip 2: Get Creative with a Container

When choosing a container for these exotic plants, the options are endless. People have been known to use rocks, seashells, and even wood. Almost anything will work. The key aspect to keep in mind is that the plant will need to dry out in between watering. So make sure whatever container you choose, it won’t let the water sit inside. If water does fill up the container, make sure to empty. You can even attach your Tillandsia plants to objects like wire, garden tape, twist ties, and drift wood.  You can even use waterproof glue like liquid nails to attach them into place.

Tip 3: Water

While these plants might not need soil, they can’t survive on air alone. The Tillandsias plant need to be watered on a regular basis, which is about two to three times a week. Air plants typically like to be lightly misted when being watered. If you live in a dry climate, it is even more important to make sure they get enough water. Now, remember that they should dry out between each watering and there is not standing water left in the container.

Tip 4: Light

The best light for your Air Plant will be in locations in your home that receive bright, but indirect light. If you are planning on usually artificial light, these plants thrive best on about 12 hours of light a day. You will notice in your plants coloring if it is receiving adequate light. The best part about these plants is that they are tiny and can be placed in unusual containers. This gives you the ability to hang in from your ceiling to make sure you plant gets the best light possible.

Tip 5: Temperature

The Tillandsia plant is frost sensitive and might not do as well outside if you live in a cooler climate. They can live well till about 35 degrees. If you are planning to get temperatures that are that cold, consider protecting them by cover them or bringing them inside.

Tip 6: Fertilize

Giving your sweet little Tillandsia’s a nice fertilizing every month will help to make sure they keep growing strong. The best months to make sure they get fertilized will be March until September. When you fertilize, make sure to dilute in one -fourth strength and try not to overdo it, you don’t want to burn your plant out. There are special fertilizers that you can buy that are made specifically for Tillandsias.

Tip 7: Propagate

A Tillandsia will one bloom once in the plant’s lifetime, however, they will grow “pups” which are new baby plants. One Tillandsia plant can grow up to 12 pups. If you are looking to propagate your Air Plants, you will want to cut off the offshoots, or puts that will be growing at the base of the plant. You know when it is ready to be propagated when the new Tillandsias is about half the size of the large plant.

Tip 8: Maintenance

When you notice that your Tillandsia’s blossoms have begun to turn brown, go ahead and cut them off with scissors, or garden clippers. This will help to encourage new blooms, while keep your Air Plant looking clean and beautiful.

You will notice that despite air plants being able to grow without soil, the plant will still grow roots. They have roots to help them anchor down, but they do not necessary need them. If you find that they don’t look as nice or are getting out of control, you can cut them back. The plant will grow new ones right away and it will not harm the plant.

Tip 9: Exotic Air Plant’s Kryptonite

Be careful when attaching your plant, that while they are very versatile and can be placed in almost any container, they still have one kryptonite – copper. If they are touching or being attached to something that has copper inside of it, like pressure treated wood as it contains copper and your air plant will not survive.

When it comes to gardening, there really is a plant for everybody. Even if you are convinced that you don’t have a green thumb, you can find a plant that you can help thrive. These exotic air plants are a perfect addition to any home and just about any climate. Their versatility and beautiful color can make any room stunning.

Over to You

Have you heard of a Tillandsia or an air plant before? If you plant them, we would love to hear how you display these beautiful plants.