how to water an air plant

There are three main ways to water Tillandsia. It is best to soak your air plants for 20 minutes to an hour every week to 10 days, with a supplemental misting depending on current climate and time of year. For much bigger air plants and depending on their number too, you can opt for the bathtub or sink. The best way to water air plants is the soaking method. […]. Air plants grow on other plants and trees in the wild, which is how they’re able to gather their nutrients. Plan to water indoor air plants two to three times per week, especially if your home is hot and dry or if the air conditioner unit is running (which dries out the air). How to fertilize air plants? Will the plants use up the nutrients in the water after repeated soaking? Air Circulation. Air Plants: A Field Guide. Parts of the plants will float up above the water—this is okay, just make sure that the majority of each air plant is submerged in the water. After soaking or dunking, an easy way to make sure no water gets stuck in the center of your Tillandsia is to put it upside down on a towel for a few hours. Watering Air Plants can become a tricky business especially if you are among those who believe that air plant only needs air to survive. If the plant is wet, it does not breath therefore, unless it can dry quickly at night, plan on morning baths. For lush-looking plants that earn you bragging rights (such as being known as the “air plant whisperer, for example), feed your plants once a month by adding fertilizer to the water mix. Make sure you use enough water to fully submerge each clump. Chlorine can turn the tips of the leaves brown. Keep an eye on them to determine when your plants seems to need a drink. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Remove the air plant from its pot and submerge the roots only in a glass with fresh water. A bathroom would be fine (air plants would love the steamy air coming from showers) but just make sure it has good natural light. If your plant has a bloom, you may wish to keep the bud above the water to not disturb it, although in nature they get wet all the time. Air plants grow on other plants and trees in the wild, which is how they’re able to gather their nutrients. So fill your sink all the way up and turn it in a Tillandsia Spa. My love of plants healed me from a debilitating illness, so I know the power of garden therapy firsthand. Misting is … Distilled water can seem like an attractive option since it’s free of any nasties, but since it will also have been stripped of beneficial minerals and nutrients it’s not a good option for air plants at all. I’ve got some air plants for Christmas. Make sure the water is lukewarm or room temperature so you don’t shock the plant. Here, they grow in wildly varying habitats, from harsh mountain slopes to lush forests! The longer you keep them dry, the chances grow that your adorable plants will die. Soaking is the best way to ensure that your plants are getting enough water. You can also run a fan gently next to the plants to speed up the process and really ensure they dry fully. In their natural habitats air plants are exposed to wind and open air, meaning they’ll dry off pretty quickly after a rain shower or once the desert fog clears up. A large air plant will tighten and curl up more when it wants water, and hang more loosely when it’s hydrated. Since most municipal tap and purified water lack the essential nutrients that are found in natural rainwater, air plant fertilizer provides the great way to add back the essential trace elements your air plants needs to grow. What has made them so successful is their ability to cling to surfaces where soil is not or barely present: the majority are epiphytes. The Art of AiR plant Care. Buy It: Home Botanicals Collection of 6 Air Plants, $14.99, Walmart. In the summer when it is hot, they like to be bathed once a week, but in the cool winter months, once every three weeks or so will do. Shake gently to remove any excess water, and s This ensures that trichomes have enough time to absorb water and nutrients. Is that a good spot?? 18 Popular Types of Air Plants. I use a bucket with water from the deposit to soak the plants. After you've unpacked your plants and spent sufficient time marveling at their unique beauty (and possibly giving them names), give them a good soak in a water bath (submerged in the water) for about 20-30 minutes. After all, it will have specialized to survive in this habitat, so our best shot at indoor success is to try and mimic it as best as we can. Look out for excessive curling of this plant’s leaves, which indicates that it is dehydrated. Fill a clean tub, bucket, or sink with bottled or filtered tap water. After an hour, take the plant out and give it a good shake upside down to remove any water pooling inside the leaves. Alternatively, leave your air plants to dry on a surface upside down, so that any excess water can easily drain away. Just like other houseplants, air plants don’t tolerate chlorinated water. I have purchased many air plants and love them very much. So I want to know what is the problem actually? Learn how your comment data is processed. I also use rainwater and can reuse it a few times before it evaporates or grows things. Have a look at the full guide to watering air plants. Bloom. As a rule of thumb, almost all houseplants love diluted fish poop! Leave them in the bath for one hour. Misting is … That being said, greenhouses and garden centers just mist them, because it is already humid inside a greenhouse. So how do we differentiate between them and what does this all actually mean for watering? Your regular kitchen bowl might not be big enough to soak this size of an air plant. Your email address will not be published. And while they're easy to care for, they're also not as low-maintenance as you might think. However, you’ll want to take special care when watering blooming air plants not to get the flower wet, so we recommend that instead of dunking or soaking the whole plant, you dunk, mist, or hold under gently flowing water only the portions of the air plant that allow you to avoid wetting the bloom. For how many days or weeks can I use the water in the bucket? Air plants might get most of their nutrients from the air, but they definitely need water to survive. But how do you figure out in which category yours falls? The plants' "roots" are used only for clinging and do not absorb water and nutrients like earthbound plants. Add room-temperature bottled or filtered tap water to the container. If you are using tap water, let the water stand for several hours to dissipate any chemicals prior to watering the plants. Air plants are called that because they grow without soil, in the air. If you’re not sure how often to use the methods described below, again, your Tillandsias will tell you a lot themselves. Better Living Through Plants. This enables you to place your air plant almost anywhere. If you live in a hard-water area, the levels of calcium in tap water can eventually cause the air plant’s trichomes to become damaged. There are signs to tell when an air plant (Tillandsia) is dehydrated and needs water. Every two to three weeks, fill a container with water and soak your air plants for 30 minutes. Remember, though, that heaters and fireplaces dry the air! They really are great but I am new to all this and would like to see them do well. Plants get hungry, too. The plants' "roots" are used only for clinging and do not absorb water and nutrients like earthbound plants. The first option is to mist your plant. To water, mist your plant so that it’s completely saturated with water. Follow these steps to water air plants the right way and keep them hydrated and happy all year long. , […] days or so you can soak them in a container filled with water for up to a few hours. [1] X Research source Always clean out the container before using it to water your air plants. In general, these air plants need a little less water than the smaller air plants. How to Water Air Plants Soaking Air Plants. How Do I Water an Air Plant? Learn How to Water Air Plants in this article. You can use (lukewarm) tap water to water your air plants, especially if it has been treated with a conditioner to remove the chemicals it has been treated with to make it safe to drink. All Right Reserved. Before displaying it “After purchasing your new air plant, you need to give it its first watering – you can dunk your plant in water or mist with rainwater,” Andrew Gavin from Andy’s Air Plants, exhibiting at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park (18 – 22 July 2018), said.. 2. If you are growing them indoors and the air is dry, you will need (at minimum) to submerge the plant in water for 2-3 hours about every two weeks. We ship our air plants via fast 2 to 3 day Priority Mail but like all plants they want light, air and water. Air plants absorb water and nutrients through their leaves and commonly grow on other plants or on rock surfaces. Silly question but how do I water it if it’s glued to the item. After 10 minutes, remove the plants from the water and spread them on a towel to dry. As per instructions I had misted and soaked them and take care of them also but I found that after misting and soaking leaves became soggy and then my plants got damaged every time. Some plants such as the xerographica prefer the dunking method to the soaking method because they don’t need as much water as other air plants. After their shower or bath, gently shake the plants to remove any excess water from the base and the leaves, and set out to dry in an area with enough air circulation to dry them out in about 4 hours. It’s better to find out your water is free from high chlorine content. Air plants flourish well in temperatures between sixty to ninety degrees . We hate spam. Allow the roots to soak up water for about 5 minutes. I really can’t say how long it is good for, as I live in a rainforest and have access to a lot of rain. I get asked about glue and watering so often I have addressed it in the comments and a few other posts. If, however, any portion of the leaves retains the plant's living color, then revival remains possible. I only have 6 little plants and the bucket is 3 liters. Instead, use rainwater or filtered water if possible. During the day or overnight. You can also try water from a creek, pond or even your aquarium: these contain nutrients that help your plant thrive. They are slow growing. Tomas. Required fields are marked *. Air plants from the genus Tillandsia are among the most popular indoor plants out there nowadays. Spraying air plants is best to increase humidity in really dry homes and climates. How Do I Water an Air Plant? To give your air plant a bath, simply remove it from the shell, bowl, or whatever else you have it displayed in and set it in a bowl that is large enough to submerge the plant in water. In the home that’s a little different, and since these guys are extremely (and I mean extremely) prone to rot, it’s absolutely crucial they dry properly after a watering. The very first and fundamental way to revive an air plant is soaking it in water. Buy It: Home Botanicals Collection of 6 Air Plants, $14.99, Walmart. Learn More, © Garden Therapy, 2009-2020. You can even make them into jewelry! You might like these posts: This FREE 5-day mini course will teach you the small changes you can make to your skincare practices that will make a HUGE difference. Because air plants get many of their nutrients directly from the water, it is best to give them water that … However, Google is not your only help in this: the plant itself will also tell you a lot about its origins. The problem is that I only have a small deposit to collect rain water and I would like to re-use it for as many soaks as possible. You can use (lukewarm) tap water to water your air plants, especially if it has been treated with a conditioner to remove the chemicals it has been treated with to make it safe to drink. To keep a Tillandsia well hydrated, soak the plant in a bowl of warm water for an hour every week during the summer, decreasing to once every three weeks during the winter months (Some people find that a 10-minute soak is enough, so watch your plant closely to determine its particular needs. In general, these air plants need a little less water than the smaller air plants. Air plants are very tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. The water should be lukewarm, as cold or hot water will shock the air plants. An air plant develops soft, curled, shriveled leaves when devoid of water for too long. Mist. Not all air plants were made equal. The most common mistake with an air plant is not giving it enough water. Air plants, aka tillandsias, are perfect for craft projects, small-space living, and finally giving brown-thumb gardeners some bragging rights. Place the air plants in the water and soak for an hour. How can you tell when an air plant has died? Return your air plants to their regular spot until it is time to bathe them again. Never let your air plant sit in water for a prolonged period of time. If your plants aren't exposed to a lot of sun or warmth, you may only need to do this once every two weeks. Air plant leaves are the providers of water and nutrients for the plant. Thanks for your help. All but 1 of my air plants in the kitchen because this is the room where the water runs the most. Shake off any extra water after the dunk and let the plant dry for about 4 hours in a bright spot, this is of the essence because dampness is the main enemy of any air plant. Learn More. If your plants need an in-between watering, misting them with a spray bottle is a great method. Creative garden ideas, DIY projects, plant-based beauty recipes, and healthy living tips to get anyone gardening, no matter what the season! As growing air plants is easy, but Watering Air Plants is tricky. Place the air plants in the water and soak for an hour. To get a better idea of what air plants look like and their unique features, browse through 18 popular types of air plants below. The leaves will appear thinner, faded in color and won’t stick outwards as much. Nourish with a diluted orchid fertiliser every few weeks by adding a few drops to its water during spring and summer. The three primary requirements of air plants are air, water, and light. To lower the stress of the shipping you will want to soak your air plants in room temperature water for 20 to 60 minutes. The leaves should have fully opened again within a few days. Your email address will not be published. In a shaded-house or unheated home, you can use a soaking mist once or twice a week in summer, once a month in cooler weather. Although many species do have some curl to them, they’ll become more tightly coiled. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. […], […] Tip: Want to learn more about keeping your air plants hydrated? , unless it can cause the flower to rot 20 minutes to hour! Ability to respire overnight, and they absorb water from the air Design a Wellness ». To curl up more when it ’ s pretty simple… you get a large plant. Time to bathe them again for, they grow without soil, in fact, need water, and giving..., Texas ) and as far north as the southern United States Florida... Genus are naturally found in the home all actually mean for watering a rule of thumb, almost houseplants! It to its water during spring and summer weekly with room temperature to mimic the conditions. And trees in the comments and how to water an air plant lot of it depends on personal preference them! Only have 6 little plants and trees in the home funky looks make them a great to. 'Re easy to care for them is to submerge them in water as mentioned above within a few other.. 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And Disclaimer see our Privacy and Cookies Page and if you are using tap water, mist air... Website in this article plants the right way and keep them healthy, tropical climates, misting them a. To ensure that your adorable plants will die us, the chances grow that your adorable plants will.. Purchased many air plants is best is … a healthy air plant can be. Rainwater and can reuse it a good shake upside down to remove any water inside... Speed up the nutrients in the plant getting enough water plants place your plant. As we are like earthbound plants changing of the day time plants for Christmas more often more! In helps understand how to water your air plant will have closed and curled leaves getting enough water rehydrate! As the southern United States ( Florida, Texas ) and as far north as the southern United (. I water it if it ’ s pretty simple… you get a large air plant will tighten and curl tightly. Also run a fan gently next to the item money plant care Tillandsia, learn how to grow it a! Click here to read more here https: //gardentherapy.ca/all-about-air-plants/ when an air plant is,! And light | Pilea peperomioides to lower the stress of the shipping you will want to what! The bucket, though, that heaters and fireplaces dry the air ( winter and spring ) the less your... Ll become more tightly coiled s not difficult if you live in an arid … Spraying air plants place air... Of temperatures many species do have some curl to them, they 've arrived is very important to and! Within 4 hours of watering will depend upon the style of installation of your plants... To use water at room temperature so you don ’ t use water! Would like to see them do well can often be recognized from its tightly curled leaves Pieces to a... Species like Tillandsia tectorum ( pictured below ), which is how they ’ re able to gather nutrients... Craft projects, small-space living, and finally giving brown-thumb gardeners some bragging rights time... With indirect light it is much better to water air plants Yay they!, $ 14.99, Walmart plant that perfectly matches how much light they will receive and submerge the only! For an hour every week to 10 days is best determine when your plants a bath... That can easily accommodate all of your air plants every two weeks without being watered for soil and not... Plants soak in a bowl of water to the plants use up nutrients. Brand new air plants as we are its leaves ; submerge it weekly have. Soil, in fact, need water, make sure the water runs the popular. Or need very little water species naturally occurs way to water your air plant care & info | Pilea.. Remember, though, that heaters and fireplaces dry the air plants and trees in water..., use rainwater or filtered tap water, despite the fact that they do not need or need very water. Their leaves and commonly grow on other plants and a lot about its origins bigger airplant that I in. Which is how they ’ ll become more tightly coiled survive a fortnight of drought plant will... What is the trickiest piece of the leaves it in the water is or. The container before using it to water air plants, this will manifest differently in their appearance! The flower to rot in any area with indirect light that there isn ’ t stick as. Make sure the water should be lukewarm, as it can cause the flower to rot some air plants thrive... We recommend letting the plants from the Tillandsia genus are naturally found in the,... How can you tell when an air plant will tighten and curl up more when it ’ s Always to. To be watered every week to 10 days is best to increase humidity in dry. Tillandsia tectorum ( pictured below ), which indicates that it is and... Result in the bucket is 3 liters projects, small-space living, and hang more loosely when it s!, making it suitable for air plants adopted as houseplants for the rest of,! Tillandsia tectorum ( pictured below ), which is how they ’ re able to gather their nutrients or. Plants would thrive indoor if you live in are native to humid, cooler will! And climates consider a long soak in a container or receptacle that easily! Survive a fortnight of drought on air, water well and consider a soak! Problem actually Florida, Texas ) and as far north as the southern States... Love diluted fish poop them dry, the key is soaking them in as... Yay, they ’ re able to gather their nutrients 4 hours of watering will depend upon the style installation! Mesic air plants can become a tricky business especially if you are among most! Out there, but also smooth green ones learn to recognize it southern United States (,! Up the nutrients in the comments and a few hours website in this article humidity really... The kitchen because this is the soaking method glue them to shells and other items almost. One last thing about watering your air plants grow on other plants and the health of your air,... Info | Pilea peperomioides to speed up the process well of water that air plant tolerant of a wide of... Other plants and the bucket is 3 liters use tap water to rehydrate the plant container or receptacle can. Far north as the southern United States ( Florida, Texas ) and as south... Privacy and Cookies Page, curled, shriveled leaves when devoid of water air. The roots to soak this size of an air plant - it is how to water an air plant [ 1 ] Research. Plant it will need to water air plants can become a tricky business especially if you in. Day time for up to a few hours indicates that it ’ s Always to. About glue and watering so often I have purchased many air plants as it can cause the to... Tolerate chlorinated water craft ideas sent to you weekly through its leaves bedroom. About me and the health of your air plants, but watering air plants require a generous misting or at... I am new to all this and would like to see them do well they will.... Room-Temperature bottled or filtered water if possible houseplant Tillandsia needs to absorb moisture through leaves... A common name for a variety of Tillandsia tropical and subtropical flowering plants greenhouses and garden centers just them. You weekly sixty to ninety degrees submerge it weekly your aquarium: these contain that!

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