Complete Air Plant Care Guide
How To Care For Your Air Plants
Air plants, also called Tillandsia, are surprisingly easy to care for once you understand their needs. This guide walks through the basics so you can keep your air plants healthy, colorful, and happy whether they live indoors or outside.
What Are Air Plants?
Tillandsia are epiphytic plants, which means they grow on trees, rocks, and other surfaces instead of in soil. In nature, they take in water and nutrients through their leaves using tiny structures called trichomes. Because of this, air plants need good airflow, bright light, and the right watering routine to thrive.
Light Requirements
Most air plants prefer bright, indirect light.
Indoors: Place them near a bright window where the light is filtered. East or south facing windows work well as long as the plant is not getting direct sun all day.
Outdoors: Bright shade or gentle morning sun is best. Try to avoid intense afternoon sun, especially during hot summer months.
Signs your lighting may need adjusting:
- Not enough light: slow growth and dull color
- Too much light: sunburn or dry, crispy tips
How to Water Air Plants
Air plants absorb water through their leaves, not their roots. Because of this, watering is all about getting the entire plant wet so the leaves can take in moisture.
You can water air plants in several different ways. What matters most is that all of the leaves are thoroughly wetted.
This can be done by:
- Misting heavily with a spray bottle
- Submerging the plant in water
- Spraying with a hose
- Running the plant under a faucet
No matter which method you use, be sure the entire plant gets wet, not just the outer leaves.
How Often to Water
As a general rule, we recommend watering air plants about once a week. That said, watering frequency can vary quite a bit depending on the time of year, climate, temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and the specific variety of air plant.
For example, here in coastal Southern California, we water our outdoor air plants as often as three times per week during the peak of summer. In the winter, we often go two to three weeks without watering at all.
The key is to pay attention to your environment and your plants rather than sticking to a strict schedule.
When Soaking Is Helpful
Soaking is not something we recommend as a regular watering method. It is best used in specific situations, such as reviving very dry or dehydrated plants, or in extremely dry climates where plants dry too quickly.
If you do soak, keep it occasional and always make sure plants dry completely afterward.
Airflow and Drying
Air plants need to dry fully after every watering. Sitting in moisture for too long can cause rot.
- Make sure plants have good air circulation
- Avoid closed containers without airflow
- Never let water sit at the base of the plant
Temperature and Humidity
Air plants do well in temperatures between 50 and 90°F.
- Protect from frost
- Keep away from extreme heat
- Moderate humidity is helpful, as long as airflow is good
Most air plants adjust easily to typical indoor conditions when watered properly.
Fertilizing Air Plants
Fertilizing air plants is optional, but it can be very beneficial when done correctly. Regular feeding can encourage stronger growth, better leaf color, increased pup production, and more consistent blooming over time.
Air plants are sensitive to what they absorb through their leaves, so it is important to use the right type of fertilizer.
- Use a fertilizer made specifically for air plants or bromeliads
- Look for formulas that are free of copper and urea
Copper and urea are toxic to air plants and can damage or burn the leaves, even in small amounts. Avoid standard houseplant or garden fertilizers unless they are clearly labeled as safe for Tillandsia.
Fertilizer can be applied about once a month during spring and summer. If using a very lightly diluted solution, it can also be applied more frequently, even with regular watering.
Fertilizing is not necessary during fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Blooming and Pups
Air plants bloom only once in their lifetime. After blooming, the mother plant will slowly produce pups, which are baby air plants.
- Keep caring for the plant as usual after it blooms
- Pups can stay attached or be gently removed once they reach about one third the size of the parent
This is a normal and healthy part of the air plant life cycle.
Common Air Plant Problems
Brown tips: usually caused by under watering or mineral buildup from tap water
Soft or dark base: a sign of rot from too much moisture
Little or no growth: often related to low light or lack of nutrients
Using filtered or rainwater can help prevent mineral issues.
Indoor Air Plant Care
Air plants do very well indoors, but indoor environments often require a little more attention when it comes to watering.
Inside the home, factors like heaters, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and low humidity can cause air plants to dry out faster than expected. Even if a room feels comfortable to you, the air may be much drier for your plants.
When caring for air plants indoors:
- Check plants more frequently for signs of dryness
- Water a bit more often if they are near heating vents, fireplaces, or air conditioning
- Keep plants in bright, indirect light whenever possible
- Make sure plants dry fully after watering and have good airflow
Bathrooms and kitchens can be great spots for air plants thanks to higher humidity from showers, sinks, and cooking. Just be sure the plant still receives enough light and airflow.
Indoor air plants often benefit from slightly more frequent watering than outdoor plants, especially during winter when heaters are running or during summer when air conditioning is used heavily.
If leaves begin to curl, fade, or feel thinner, it is usually a sign that the plant needs more moisture.
Indoor vs Outdoor Care at a Glance
Indoor air plants tend to dry out faster due to climate control and lower humidity. They usually need more frequent watering and careful placement away from vents.
Outdoor air plants benefit from better airflow and natural humidity, but they need protection from extreme sun, heat, and cold.
In both cases, the goal is the same. Thorough watering, fast drying, and adjusting care based on your environment.
Outdoor Air Plant Care
Air plants can grow outdoors in the right climate.
- Bring plants inside if temperatures drop below 40°F
- Provide shade during the hottest part of the day
- Water more often during hot, windy weather
With better airflow and humidity, outdoor air plants often grow faster.
How We Care for Our Air Plants
At Coastal Plant Company, our air plants are grown with the right balance of light, airflow, and hydration. We select healthy, well established plants and pack them carefully so they arrive ready to thrive in your space.
If you ever have questions about caring for your air plant, we are always happy to help.
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