Search Plants
Try for Free
About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
How to Care Airplants
How to Care Airplants, Growing Airplants, Caring for Airplants
The airplants genus encompasses air plants which thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and require specific watering practices, like soaking or misting. Warm, humid environments are preferred, but they’re adaptable to cooler conditions. They live on trees, rocks, and other substrates without soil. Common challenges include rot due to overwatering, pests like mealybugs, and cold damage. Seasonally, they need increased hydration in summer and reduced watering in winter. Extra attention to humidity levels and frequent misting can help the plant during the dry seasons.
Watering Frequency
Every week
Sunlight
Partial sun
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Airplants?
Watering Frequency: Every week
Originating from diverse environments, airplants have adapted to absorb moisture from the air due to their epiphytic nature in humid climates. These plants boast a high drought tolerance and prefer environments with good air circulation and some humidity. Watering should be done every week to maintain optimal hydration. As mostly indoor ornamentals, airplants thrive when misted regularly, aligning with their need for atmospheric moisture rather than heavy soil watering—ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance yet exotic touch.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Airplants?
Ideal Lighting: Partial sun
Airplants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, ideally receiving several hours of light daily. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, especially midday light. A balance of light and shade is key. East or west-facing windows are excellent. For artificial lighting, fluorescent tubes can work, but avoid placing airplants too close to intense light sources. Monitor for color changes as a sign of stress. Variegated varieties may need more light.
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Airplants?
Primary propagation methods for airplants include division and seed sowing. Key factors for success are high humidity, good air circulation, and indirect light. Avoid soil, as airplants absorb nutrients through their leaves. The difficulty level is moderate due to the plant’s unique requirements. For division, gently separate pups from the mother plant once they reach 1/3 its size. For seeds, spread on a fine, inert substrate, maintaining moisture and warmth. Steps: (1) Select healthy plants or seeds, (2) Prepare the propagation area with appropriate conditions, (3) Separate pups or sow seeds, (4) Provide consistent care, avoiding watering the center of the rosette.
How to Plant Airplants?
Airplants is a group of air plants requiring very little soil, but substantial light - bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Before planting, soak your airplants for a short period. Airplants generally do not require traditional planting. Attach them to an appropriate substrate with non-copper wire or similar. Water regularly, allowing to dry in between. While these practices suit most airplants species, it's crucial to research species-specific needs. Remember, careful monitoring of your airplants's health is key to successful cultivation.
Key Facts About Airplants
Feedback
Attributes of Airplants
Sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance Lighting
Full shade
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Plant Type
Herb
Scientific Classification of Airplants
More Info About Airplants
Types of Airplants
Feedback
Tillandsia argentina
Tillandsia argentina is a unique epiphyte that thrives in humid climates. Its thin, silvery leaves absorb nutrients and moisture from the air, making it easy to care for. In the wild, it grows on tree branches and rocks, adding a touch of natural beauty to any garden or terrarium. Its pink and purple flowers bloom in the summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant is a popular choice for air plant enthusiasts and adds a touch of exotic elegance to any indoor space.
Tillandsia butzii
Tillandsia butzii is a unique epiphyte native to Mexico and Central America. Its gray-green leaves are covered in fine white hairs, giving it a fluffy appearance. This plant doesn't require soil to grow and can absorb water and nutrients through its leaves. It produces a bright pink inflorescence in the summer months, making it a striking addition to any collection of air plants.
Rush-like air plant
Rush-like air plant's growth habit is the same as most other air plants, but its appearance sets it apart. It is longer and narrower than some other similar species, giving it a unique look that stands out when grouped with other plants in the genus.
Giant airplant
Giant airplant, or Tillandsia fasciculata, is a large species of bromeliad. In the wild, it grows on tree trunks and produces a stunning flower-like inflorescence that can last for a year. This air plant is endangered in the United States.
Tillandsia red abdita
Tillandsia red abdita (Tillandsia abdita) is one of the few Tillandsia varieties that enjoys both direct and indirect sunlight. Its blushing red tint, obtained only after it's matured, makes it one of the most popular air plants among houseplant enthusiasts. It is marketed for its stunning look in terrariums, or mounted on driftwood, cork, or bark.
Air-flowered air plant
Tillandsia aeranthos is a species in the genus Tillandsia. This species is native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Bulbous airplant
Bulbous airplant(Tillandsia bulbosa) is a species in the genus Tillandsia. It is widespread across Central America, the West Indies, southern Mexico (Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatán Peninsula), and northern and eastern South America (Venezuela, Colombia, the Guianas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Alagoas, Amapá, Pernambuco).
Spreading airplant
The spreading airplant (Tillandsia utriculata) is native to Florida and Georgia within the United States. The spreading airplant is also often called the giant airplant. This species is the host of many native invertebrate animals because it can hold a great deal of water in its leaves. It is susceptible to the invasive weevil Metamasius callizona, which has a profound effect on its native ecosystem.
More Similar Plants
Feedback
Airplants
Airplants are some of the most common examples of epiphytes - plants that can grow on the surfaces of others without the need for soil. This capability makes them especially attractive for use in hanging pots both inside and outside the home.
Deuterocohnia
Deuterocohnia are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Werauhia
Werauhia are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Pseudalcantarea
Pseudalcantarea are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Jagrantia
Jagrantia are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Androlepis
Androlepis are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Neoregelia
Neoregelia are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Botanist in your pocket
App
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Botanist in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
Airplants
Tillandsia
The airplants genus encompasses air plants which thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and require specific watering practices, like soaking or misting. Warm, humid environments are preferred, but they’re adaptable to cooler conditions. They live on trees, rocks, and other substrates without soil. Common challenges include rot due to overwatering, pests like mealybugs, and cold damage. Seasonally, they need increased hydration in summer and reduced watering in winter. Extra attention to humidity levels and frequent misting can help the plant during the dry seasons.
Watering Frequency
Every week
Sunlight
Partial sun
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Airplants?
Watering Frequency: Every week
Originating from diverse environments, airplants have adapted to absorb moisture from the air due to their epiphytic nature in humid climates. These plants boast a high drought tolerance and prefer environments with good air circulation and some humidity. Watering should be done every week to maintain optimal hydration. As mostly indoor ornamentals, airplants thrive when misted regularly, aligning with their need for atmospheric moisture rather than heavy soil watering—ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance yet exotic touch.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Airplants?
Ideal Lighting: Partial sun
Airplants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, ideally receiving several hours of light daily. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, especially midday light. A balance of light and shade is key. East or west-facing windows are excellent. For artificial lighting, fluorescent tubes can work, but avoid placing airplants too close to intense light sources. Monitor for color changes as a sign of stress. Variegated varieties may need more light.
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Airplants?
Primary propagation methods for airplants include division and seed sowing. Key factors for success are high humidity, good air circulation, and indirect light. Avoid soil, as airplants absorb nutrients through their leaves. The difficulty level is moderate due to the plant’s unique requirements. For division, gently separate pups from the mother plant once they reach 1/3 its size. For seeds, spread on a fine, inert substrate, maintaining moisture and warmth. Steps: (1) Select healthy plants or seeds, (2) Prepare the propagation area with appropriate conditions, (3) Separate pups or sow seeds, (4) Provide consistent care, avoiding watering the center of the rosette.
How to Plant Airplants?
Airplants is a group of air plants requiring very little soil, but substantial light - bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Before planting, soak your airplants for a short period. Airplants generally do not require traditional planting. Attach them to an appropriate substrate with non-copper wire or similar. Water regularly, allowing to dry in between. While these practices suit most airplants species, it's crucial to research species-specific needs. Remember, careful monitoring of your airplants's health is key to successful cultivation.
How to Grow and Care for Gardenia
Feedback
Attributes of Airplants
Sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance Lighting
Full shade
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Plant Type
Herb
Scientific Classification of Airplants
Types of Airplants
Feedback
Tillandsia argentina
Tillandsia argentina is a unique epiphyte that thrives in humid climates. Its thin, silvery leaves absorb nutrients and moisture from the air, making it easy to care for. In the wild, it grows on tree branches and rocks, adding a touch of natural beauty to any garden or terrarium. Its pink and purple flowers bloom in the summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant is a popular choice for air plant enthusiasts and adds a touch of exotic elegance to any indoor space.
Tillandsia butzii
Tillandsia butzii is a unique epiphyte native to Mexico and Central America. Its gray-green leaves are covered in fine white hairs, giving it a fluffy appearance. This plant doesn't require soil to grow and can absorb water and nutrients through its leaves. It produces a bright pink inflorescence in the summer months, making it a striking addition to any collection of air plants.
Rush-like air plant
Rush-like air plant's growth habit is the same as most other air plants, but its appearance sets it apart. It is longer and narrower than some other similar species, giving it a unique look that stands out when grouped with other plants in the genus.
Giant airplant
Giant airplant, or Tillandsia fasciculata, is a large species of bromeliad. In the wild, it grows on tree trunks and produces a stunning flower-like inflorescence that can last for a year. This air plant is endangered in the United States.
Show More Plants
More Similar Plants
Feedback
Airplants
Airplants are some of the most common examples of epiphytes - plants that can grow on the surfaces of others without the need for soil. This capability makes them especially attractive for use in hanging pots both inside and outside the home.
Deuterocohnia
Deuterocohnia are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Werauhia
Werauhia are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Pseudalcantarea
Pseudalcantarea are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Jagrantia
Jagrantia are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Androlepis
Androlepis are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Neoregelia
Neoregelia are epiphytic plants native to tropical areas of the Americas. These plants are prized for their colorful and long-lasting blooms which attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
