how to care for tillandsia air plants

With their sculptural shapes and lack of need for soil, Tillandsia air plants feel like living art. They are part of the bromeliad family and absorb all their water and nutrients through their leaves, making them wonderfully versatile for creative displays. While they are known for being low-maintenance, they do have specific needs to truly thrive. Learning how to care for tillandsia air plants is the simple secret to keeping them healthy and happy for years to come.

The Perfect Soak: Hydrating Your Air Plant

Water is the most important aspect of care, but it’s not as simple as a quick spritz. Once a week, give your air plant a thorough soak. Submerge it completely in room-temperature water for 20-30 minutes. After its bath, gently shake off any excess water from the center of the plant and place it upside down on a towel to dry completely. This prevents rot, which is the most common cause of problems. In drier climates, you might need to mist it lightly between soaks.

Let There Be (The Right Amount of) Light

These plants adore bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or south-facing window is ideal, where they can get plenty of filtered sunshine. Direct, hot sun—especially through a west-facing window in the summer—can scorch their leaves, causing them to turn brown and crispy. If you only have lower light conditions, they can still survive, but their growth may be slower.

Ensuring Good Air Circulation

As their name implies, air plants need good air flow. After watering, it is crucial they dry within four hours. Placing them in a closed terrarium without ventilation is a recipe for rot. Instead, choose open containers, place them on a piece of driftwood, or set them in a hanging glass globe that allows for plenty of air movement around the leaves.

A Little Food for Thought

While not strictly necessary, fertilizing can encourage growth and blooming. Use a bromeliad or air plant-specific fertilizer, and only apply it once a month during the spring and summer. Simply add a pinch to the water you use for their weekly soak. This provides a gentle nutrient boost to support their health.

With just a little attention to their watering, light, and air needs, your Tillandsia will reward you with unique beauty and even produce charming little pups, or offsets, to expand your collection.