How to Make a Fall Centerpiece with Air Plants (That Lasts All Season)
Create Effortless Fall Centerpieces with Air Plants
Fall is the season for gathering, slowing down, and bringing the outdoors in. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, decorating your entryway, or simply refreshing your space, air plants make it easy to build beautiful, low-maintenance centerpieces that capture the spirit of the season. Their sculptural forms and muted colors pair naturally with pumpkins, wood accents, candles, and dried botanicals — giving you plenty of creative ways to style your plants.
Air plants (Tillandsias) don’t require soil to grow, which means you can arrange them in just about any container or setting. They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, allowing for endless creative possibilities — from rustic table displays to modern minimalist designs.
Choosing Air Plants for a Fall Arrangement
A great fall centerpiece starts with the right mix of plants. Look for variety in size, shape, and color to create a display that feels layered and intentional. Try combining soft tones with a few statement pieces to create balance and visual interest.
Here are a few air plants that work beautifully for autumn designs:
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Tillandsia Peru Inca Gold– Its golden-green variety catches the light in a way that brightens neutral fall palettes. Its firm leaves pair perfectly with natural woods and ceramics.
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Tillandsia Stricta ‘Purple Haze’– With soft purple hues and fine, delicate leaves, this plant adds contrast and color to neutral displays. Looks especially striking next to white mini pumpkins or dried eucalyptus.
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Tillandsia Xerographica– Known as the “queen of air plants,” Xerographica is bold and iconic. Its silver leaves curl outward in a rosette, making it an ideal focal point.
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Tillandsia Bergeri Clump– A fuller, clustered species that adds volume and texture. Great for filling in open spaces or creating a cascading effect.
- Spanish Moss (Tillandsia Usneoides)– Classic and versatile, Spanish moss can be used as a base layer or draped around the arrangement to create a soft, finished look.
Step-by-Step: Building Your Fall Centerpiece
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Choose a Container or Base
Start with something natural and textural — a wooden tray, ceramic bowl, woven basket, or even a hollowed-out pumpkin. Each option gives a different vibe: wood feels rustic, ceramics feel modern, and pumpkins add a seasonal touch.
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Create a Base Layer
Spread a layer of Spanish moss, dried leaves, or natural straw to build volume and provide a soft foundation. This also helps position your plants securely without needing soil.
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Add Your Focal Air Plant
Place your largest or most eye-catching plant, such as Xerographica, in the center or slightly off-center. This anchors the arrangement visually.
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Surround with Smaller Plants
Add plants of varying heights and textures around your focal point. Pair the Peru Inca Gold and Stricta ‘Purple Haze’ near the base for color variation, then fill in gaps with Bergeri clumps or smaller Tillandsias.
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Incorporate Seasonal Details
Mix in decorative accents like mini pumpkins, pinecones, dried seed pods, or candle votives. Stick to natural color palettes — muted oranges, soft greens, deep browns, and creamy whites.
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Adjust for Balance and Light
Step back and look at your arrangement from different angles. Adjust spacing, rotate plants, and ensure each one gets indirect light.
Styling Ideas for Different Spaces
- Dining Table: Create a long, low arrangement in a rectangular tray or shallow bowl so it doesn’t block conversation. Add tea lights or pillar candles for evening ambiance.
- Entryway Table: Use a larger focal plant like Xerographica surrounded by Spanish moss and pumpkins for a welcoming seasonal touch.
- Coffee Table: Group smaller plants like Stricta ‘Purple Haze’ and Bergeri clumps in a decorative bowl or glass terrarium.
- Mantel or Shelf: Line up several small arrangements in matching bowls or cups for a minimalist, cohesive look.
Air Plant Care Tips for Seasonal Displays
Even though your centerpiece is decorative, the plants inside are alive and will continue to thrive with a bit of care:
- Light: Keep your display near bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water: Mist your plants two to three times per week, or remove them for a quick soak every week or so. Let them dry fully before placing them back.
- Airflow: Avoid sealed containers — Tillandsias need good airflow to stay healthy.
- Refresh: Replace dried accents like leaves or pumpkins as the season progresses.
For detailed care tips, visit our Air Plant Care Guide
A Centerpiece That Grows with the Season
Air plants are durable and long-lasting, making them perfect for decor that evolves with the season. As fall transitions to winter, you can refresh your arrangement — swap pumpkins for pinecones, add evergreens, or pair your Xerographica with metallic ornaments. With a little creativity, your fall centerpiece can last for months, becoming a living display that grows and changes with your space.
At Coastal Plant Company, we love helping you create designs that celebrate the beauty of every season. Explore our Air Plant Collection and share your fall centerpiece creations with us on Instagram @coastalplantcompany.