Air plants

Air Plants

James teaches you all you need to know about these tropical wiry epiphytes.

Lesson Summary

• Air plants do not require roots to absorb moisture.
• To water, let them soak in a bowl of room temperature water.
• Use rainwater or mineral water where possible to water air plants.
• If the plant needs water, the leaves will curl up, then dry out and become increasingly silvery or brown.
• Leave air plants in the bowl of water for an hour, or overnight in the summer, shaking excess water off them when you take them out.
• Watering can take place once a week in the winter, and twice a week in the summer.
• In the summer, they enjoy a holiday outdoors. Place them in a position out of direct sun, and bring them indoors if there is a risk of frost.
• Florist wire is ideal for wiring plants on to sticks.

Equipment Used

• General-purpose silicone
• Grape branch
• Bonsai wire

Plants Used

• Tillandsia usneioides 'Spanish Moss'
• Tillandsia ionantha 'Sky plant'
• Tillandsia xerographica 'Xeros'
• Tillandsia tectorum 'Snowball'

Your Notes

Visit andysairplants.com and research the huge range of different air plants.

Air Plants Care

Light

Bright light

Water

If the plant needs water, the leaves will curl, dry out and become increasingly silvery or brown.