How to Water Air Plants the Right Way

Learning how to water air plants is the most important part of keeping them healthy and happy.

Air plants are different from regular houseplants. They do not grow in soil, and they absorb water through their leaves instead of roots. Because of that, their watering routine is a little unique.

The good news is that caring for air plants is simple once you understand the basics. This guide will show you exactly how to water air plants so they thrive in your home.

The Goal of Watering Air Plants

No matter which method you choose, the goal is always the same.

Completely wet the entire plant, then let it dry fully afterward.

If you follow that simple rule, your air plants will do great.

Three Simple Ways to Water Air Plants

For regular care, these three methods all work equally well:

• Quick dunking or submerging
• Heavy misting until fully drenched
• Rinsing or showering under running water

All three methods are easy ways to make sure the entire plant gets properly hydrated.

Option 1: Quick Dunk or Submerge

This is one of the easiest ways to water air plants.

• Briefly dip the entire plant in water
• Keep it submerged for only a few seconds
• Remove it and gently shake off the excess water
• Place the plant upside down to dry

This method is fast, effective, and perfect for everyday care.

Option 2: Heavy Misting

Misting can be a great way to water air plants as long as it is done thoroughly.

Proper misting means:

• The entire plant becomes visibly wet
• Water reaches the inner leaves, not just the surface
• The plant is fully drenched, not lightly sprayed

Light, occasional spritzing is usually not enough. Think of misting as a real watering, not just a quick refresh.

Option 3: Rinsing or Showering

Using a sink sprayer or shower attachment is another excellent method.

• Hold the plant under room temperature running water
• Rinse for about 15 to 30 seconds
• Make sure all sides of the plant get wet
• Shake off excess water and allow it to dry

This method is an easy and reliable way to give air plants a complete watering.

How Often Should You Water Air Plants?

Watering frequency depends on your environment, but these general guidelines work for most people:

• Typical indoor conditions: water 1 to 2 times per week
• Hot, dry, or low humidity homes: water 2 to 3 times per week
• Cool or humid environments: about once per week

If you live in a mild coastal climate like Southern California, once or twice a week is usually perfect.

When to Use Extended Soaking

Extended soaking is different from the everyday watering methods above.

Long soaks, where a plant is left underwater for 20 to 30 minutes or more, should only be used in special situations.

Use extended soaking only when:

• A plant looks clearly dehydrated
• Leaves are tightly curled inward
• Tips are turning brown and crispy
• The plant has gone too long without water
• Your environment has extremely low humidity

Think of soaking as a recovery method, not part of a normal weekly routine.

Signs Your Air Plant Needs Water

• Leaves curling inward
• A very lightweight, dry feel
• Dull or faded color
• Browning at the leaf tips

If you notice these signs, increase your watering frequency or give the plant an extended soak to help it recover.

The Most Important Rule Is Proper Drying

The way you dry your air plants is just as important as the way you water them.

After watering:

• Gently shake off extra water
• Place the plant upside down on a towel
• Keep it in a bright, airy location
• Make sure it dries completely within a few hours

Air plants that stay wet for too long can develop rot, so good airflow is essential.

What Kind of Water Is Best for Air Plants?

Great choices include:

• Rainwater
• Filtered water
• Regular tap water
• Aquarium water

Try to avoid distilled water and softened water whenever possible.

Watering Air Plants in Displays

Many air plants are kept in shells, cork bark, or other decorative displays. These can still be watered easily.

• If the plant can be removed, water it on its own
• If it is attached, rinse or briefly dunk the entire piece
• Avoid leaving wood or cork submerged for long periods
• Always allow everything to dry thoroughly
  
  
  

Common Air Plant Watering Mistakes

• Only giving light, occasional misting
• Watering late at night
• Letting plants stay wet too long
  
• Keeping freshly watered plants in closed containers
• Only soaking the base or roots of the plant

A Simple Watering Summary

• Fully wet the plant using dunking, heavy misting, or rinsing
• Be sure to wet the entire plant
• Let it dry completely
• Repeat 1 to 2 times per week
• Use extended soaking only when a plant is truly dry

Looking for Easy Care Air Plants?

If you are just getting started, explore our collection of healthy, beginner friendly air plants and displays:

Shop Air Plants | Air Plant Displays

All of our plants are carefully shipped from our Oceanside, California nursery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Air Plants

How often should I water my air plants?

Most air plants need to be watered one to two times per week. In hot or dry homes they may need water two to three times per week. In cooler or more humid environments, once a week is usually enough.

Can I mist air plants instead of soaking them?

Yes. Heavy misting until the plant is fully drenched works very well. Light, occasional misting is usually not enough, but thorough misting can be an effective regular watering method.

Do air plants need to be soaked?

Extended soaking should only be used when a plant is very dry or dehydrated. Healthy air plants do not need regular long soaks as part of normal care.

Can I water air plants with tap water?

Yes. Tap water is perfectly fine for air plants in most areas. Rainwater and filtered water are also excellent choices. Avoid distilled water and softened water.

What happens if my air plant stays wet too long?

If an air plant does not dry properly after watering, it can develop rot. Always allow air plants to dry completely within a few hours after watering.

Final Thoughts

Watering air plants does not have to be complicated. Choose the method that fits your lifestyle, pay attention to your environment, and focus on good drying habits.

With just a little care, air plants are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants you can grow.

If you ever have questions about caring for your plants, feel free to contact us anytime.