Air Plant Care: Simple Tips for Happy, Healthy Tillandsias
A little care goes a long way!
Air plants, also known as Tillandsias, are quirky little plants that don't need soil to grow. They absorb water and nutrients through their leaves, making them perfect for creative displays, terrariums and thoughtful plant gifts.
Whether you've received one as a gift or are adding to your plant collection, here are a few simple tips to help it thrive.
When you receive your air plant, unwrap it as soon as you can so it can get settled into its new home and enjoy some fresh air and light. If you have ordered a terracotta pot or glass jar with you air plant simply remove the jar lid and place into its new home!
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Contents
Light & Positioning
Air plants love bright, indirect natural light. A bright windowsill or a well-lit room is usually ideal.
Avoid dark corners and very strong direct sunshine, which can dry out or scorch their leaves.
Top Tips:
Bright, indirect light is best.
Keep your plant somewhere with good air circulation.
Avoid placing it directly next to a hot radiator.
Protect it from frost and extreme temperatures.
Watering
Despite their name, air plants can't live on air alone! They need regular watering to stay healthy.
As a general guide, give your air plant a soak for around 20–30 minutes once a week. During particularly hot weather or in a warm, dry home, it may need watering more often. In cooler conditions, it may need less.
Room-temperature rainwater is ideal, although suitable tap water can also be used.
Top tips:
Submerge the plant in water for 20–30 minutes.
Gently shake off any excess water afterwards.
Turn it upside down or place it on its side to dry.
Let it dry completely within a few hours before returning it to its display.
Misting can provide a little extra moisture between soaks, but shouldn't replace proper watering.
The golden rule: never leave your air plant sitting in water or return it to its display while still wet.
Display & Airflow
Air plants are wonderfully versatile. You can display them in hanging globes, on driftwood, in shells or in decorative holders.
Just make sure your chosen display allows plenty of airflow and doesn't trap water around the plant. If you're using a glass globe, take your air plant out for watering and let it dry fully before putting it back.
A Little Maintenance
It's normal for an air plant to develop the occasional dry leaf tip as it grows. If the tips become increasingly brown or the leaves start looking unusually curled or dry, check that your plant is getting enough water and isn't sitting in harsh sunlight.
With the right care, your air plant may even flower and produce little baby plants, known as pups!
Want to know more?
These are the essentials, but if you'd like to learn more about watering, seasonal care, display ideas and helping your air plant grow, take a look at our complete guide.
Read our complete Air Plant Care Guide
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