Air Plant Care Guide: How to Keep Your Tillandsia Thriving
Air plants, or Tillandsia, are fascinating and unique houseplants that thrive without soil. Their versatility allows them to be displayed in creative ways—whether hanging in macrame, mounted on driftwood, or nestled in one of our handmade planters or terrarium kits. Perfect for beginners, air plants are low-maintenance and a great addition to any home or workspace.
To help you get the most out of your air plants, we’ve put together some simple care instructions. Plus, we include mini care guides with every purchase!
Watering Your Air Plants
Air plants don’t need soil; they absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. Here are the best methods to water your air plant:
- Mist: Use a fine-mist spray bottle to lightly mist your plant a few times a week.
- Soak: Submerge the leaves of your air plant in room-temperature water for up to 20 to 30 minutes once every 1-2 weeks.
- Rinse: Run it under the faucet upside down for a few seconds a couple of times a week.
Watering Tips Based on Environment:
-
Dry Environments: If you live in a dry climate or have low indoor humidity, you’ll need to water more frequently. Soaking once a week is recommended, along with regular misting.
-
Humid Environments: In more humid areas, like bathrooms, misting a few times a week may be sufficient.
After watering, gently shake off any excess water and let the plant dry completely upside down on a paper towel before returning it to its display. We recommend distilled water, but many of our customers successfully use city tap water. Avoid using hard water, soft water, or well water due to high mineral content, which can damage the leaves. I personally use city tap water for misting during the spring and summer months and distilled for soaking, especially in dry Michigan winters.
Lighting Needs
Air plants prefer bright, indirect light. They thrive in a room with natural light but not directly in a window. Morning sun is typically fine, so placing them in a north or east-facing window is ideal. However, avoid south or west-facing windows, as the afternoon sunlight can be too intense. If south or west windows are very shady, this might be acceptable, but direct exposure to the sun should be avoided.
Signs of Light Issues:
- Too Little Light: Leaves will become dull and may start to fall off.
- Too Much Light: Leaves may get dry and sunburned, showing dark spots.
Creating the Right Environment
Air plants flourish in humid environments. During dry spells or winter months when indoor heating can reduce humidity, increase watering frequency or place them near a humidifier. They prefer temperatures between 50-90°F (10-32°C) and should be protected from frost.
Ideal Spots for Air Plants:
- Bathrooms
- Shaded 3-season porches
- Kitchens (especially if you frequently boil water or above a kitchen sink)
Fertilizing
If you would like your air plants to grow faster or you believe they are looking dull, fertilizing your air plants are a great option!
- Fertilize only once a month with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer, such as bromeliad (17-8-22) or very diluted orchid fertilizer as well.
- Water before fertilizing. This way, the plants are more receptive to the nutrients.
- There are pre-bottled fertilizer sprays for air plants as well, which is what we use.
Dos and Don’ts
Do:
- Water and dry your air plant upside down to prevent water from trapping at the base.
Don’t:
- Don't use soil—air plants need well-ventilated conditions and too much moisture or bacteria from soil can harm them.
- Don't allow water to sit at the base of the plant or overwater, as this can lead to rot.
Air plants are fabulous additions to any home or workspace because you can bring so much detail and life to boring spaces like refrigerators, desks, windows, and more! If you are looking to build your own terrariums or add customizable decor, we have some great options online or you can join us at our next event to create your own style! If you are looking for something in particular, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@themktmade.com or 616-676-7500
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Enjoy!