Air Plant Care
AIR PLANT CARE
UPON RECEIVING YOUR NEW AIR PLANT
Many people think that Tillandsias are "just air plants" and they take care of themselves, however this could not be more wrong. Air plants need regular watering, fresh air circulation, and a bit of nutrition.
Because the shipping process can be hot and stressful to plants and may lead to dehydration, we suggest soaking your new air plants in cool, fresh water for up to 3 hours upon arrival. Let them dry root-side up to allow for proper drainage and remove stagnant water from between the leaves, as this can help eliminate potential rot. We do not recommend soaking Xerographica, Magnusiana, Streptophylla, or Tectorum — these species can be hydrated by dunking them in cool, fresh water for a few minutes at a time throughout the day if it’s hot.
Although we ship only healthy, high quality plants it is important to remember that they are not perfect — nor is any living thing. Minor leaf imperfections are normal. Leaves that are broken or have imperfections can be safely trimmed away with scissors. It is also normal for air plants to lose the bottom leaves when acclimating to their new environment. These leaves can be trimmed off along with roots if you desire.
INDOOR CARE
LIGHTNatural light for air plants should be bright but filtered during the spring + summer months (April - October). They should not be placed in direct sunlight during this time as they could become sunburned. During winter months (November - March), air plants can receive direct sunlight. Air plants thrive with fresh moving air. If using artificial light, full-spectrum (fluorescent) is best. The plant should be no further than 36” from the fluorescent tubes and can be as close as 6”. Set the light with a timer to 12 hours per day.
WATER
Thoroughly soak your air plants in fresh, clean water once a week for 30 - 60 minutes. The plants should be given enough light and air circulation to dry within 4 hours after watering. Spray mist air plants 2 - 3 times per week — more often in hot and dry environments; less in cool, humid environments. Misting as the sole means of watering is not advised as the plants may slowly become dehydrated. Under-watering is evidenced by an exaggerated natural concave curve of each leaf. Air plants will not survive in standing water.
AIR CIRCULATION
Following each watering, air plants should be given enough light and air circulation to dry within 4 hours or less. Fresh, circulated air will keep the plant dry and prevent rot. Do not keep plants constantly wet or moist.
TEMPERATURE
Air plants live best in a range of 50° - 90°F (10° - 32.2°C).
FERTILIZER
Use Bromeliad fertilizer (17-8-22) twice a month to encourage blooming and reproduction. Other water-soluble fertilizers can be used at 1/4 strength (Rapid Grow, Miracle-Grow, etc.) if Bromeliad fertilizer is not available. Use caution when fertilizing air plants as too much fertilizer can burn them.
AIR PLANTS IN VIVARIUMS + OTHER ANIMAL ENCLOSURES
Enclosures must have at least one side of screen mesh. Full spectrum fluorescent lighting is ideal. Avoid placing heat producing bulbs too close to the plants — the higher the wattage, the more distance should be given to avoid burning or heat-damaging the plants. Good air circulation and a proper watering schedule is key to keeping the air plants alive and healthy.
MOUNTING AIR PLANTS
Air plants can be mounted to almost anything — driftwood, seashells, lava rock, crystals, etc. Use a non-water soluble glue such as E-6000 Adhesive to adhere the plant to the prospective mount. Larger plants may need additional support from fishing line until glue dries.
OUTDOOR CARE
LIGHTNatural light for air plants should be bright but filtered during the spring + summer months (April - October). They should not be placed in direct sunlight during this time as they could become sunburned. During winter months (November - March), air plants can receive direct sunlight. They grow best in a greenhouse or a frost-protected, shaded patio.
WATER
Thoroughly soak your air plants in fresh, clean water once a week for 30 - 60 minutes. The plants should be given enough light and air circulation to dry within 4 hours after watering. Spray mist air plants 2 - 3 times per week — more often in hot and dry environments; less in cool, humid environments. Misting as the sole means of watering is not advised as the plants may slowly become dehydrated. Under-watering is evidenced by an exaggerated natural concave curve of each leaf. Air plants will not survive in standing water.
TEMPERATURE
Air plants live best in a range of 50° - 90°F (10° - 32.2°C).
FERTILIZER
Use Bromeliad fertilizer (17-8-22) twice a month to encourage blooming and reproduction. Other water-soluble fertilizers can be used at 1/4 strength (Rapid Grow, Miracle-Grow, etc.) if Bromeliad fertilizer is not available. Use caution when fertilizing air plants as too much fertilizer can burn them.