Air Plant Care

Watering frequency depends on your method and environment. Soaking your air plants in room-temperature water for 20 minutes every one or two weeks is a common approach, but other methods work too. If you prefer misting or rinsing, you may need to water more frequently—several times a week—especially in drier climates. Regardless of the method, ensure your plants dry completely after watering to prevent rot. Adjust your routine based on how quickly they dry out in your space.

Nope! Air plants (Tillandsias) absorb water and nutrients through their leaves, so they don’t require soil. They thrive in open-air displays like driftwood, shells, or hanging holders.

Air plants prefer bright, indirect light. They do best near a sunny window or under full-spectrum grow lights. Avoid prolonged direct sun, which can dry them out too quickly.

Enjoy it! Air plant blooms are a special part of their life cycle and can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the species.

During this time, continue your regular care routine, but be extra gentle when handling the plant, as flowers can be delicate. After blooming, your air plant will start producing pups (baby air plants). Once the flower begins to dry out, you can trim it off if you prefer.

With proper care, your plant will continue growing and eventually form a new clump of offsets!

Yes! While air plants can survive without fertilizer, feeding them can promote healthier growth, brighter colors, and more frequent blooming.

Use a bromeliad or air plant-specific fertilizer diluted to half strength about once a month. If you fertilize more often, use a very weak solution to avoid buildup.

Avoid using standard houseplant fertilizers with high copper or urea content, as these can harm air plants.

Browning tips or drying out usually indicate under-watering, too much direct sun, or low humidity. Try increasing your watering frequency and ensure your plant dries completely after each watering session. However, if your plant is turning brown, becoming mushy, or falling apart, it may be a sign of overwatering or improper drying, which can lead to rot. Always allow your air plant to fully dry in a well-ventilated area after watering to prevent rot. Adjust your care routine based on your environment to keep your plant healthy.

Regular grooming helps keep your air plant healthy and looking its best. Gently remove any dried or dead leaves by pulling them away from the base. If the leaf tips are brown, you can trim them with sharp scissors, cutting at an angle to maintain a natural look. After blooming, the flower will eventually dry out—feel free to trim it off once it starts fading. Grooming not only improves the plant’s appearance but also encourages new growth and offsets (pups) to develop.