Watering an indoor air plant involves providing it with just the right amount of moisture in the air for it to be happy and healthy. Ideally, these plants should be kept lightly moist, not soggy or overly dry.
You can water air plants in one of two ways – either from below (bottom-watering) or from above (top-watering).
Bottom-watering involves submerging the air plant and its container in a bowl or sink full of water for about 10-15 minutes, up to twice a week. After soaking, the plant must be shaken gently and the excess water allowed to drain off before replacing the plant in its container.
Top-watering involves misting the plant and its container with clean water two to three times a week with a spray bottle. The amount of water should be enough to lightly cover the entire plant and soak into the potting mix, but not so much that the plant is dripping.
It is important to thoroughly drain any excess water away.
No matter which watering technique is used, thorough drainage of the excess water is key to preventing the air plant from becoming waterlogged and rotting.
Can you water air plants by spraying them?
Yes, you can water air plants by spraying them. Air plants (Tillandsia spp. ) are unique plants that don’t require soil for growth and can survive on air and light alone. Therefore, you don’t need to submerge air plants in water, but instead, you can mist them or spray them lightly with water.
This method of watering air plants is especially beneficial for those who live in hot arid climates and would find it difficult to regularly submerge their air plants in water. In order to spray water your air plants, use a spray bottle of water that is set to the fine mist setting (do not use a stream of water).
Water every three to four days, and ensure the plants get enough light. Also, you can submerge air plants into a shallow basin of water and let them soak for a few minutes, up to once a week. Air plants do best with light mistings of water on a more frequent basis than an occasional soaking.
How do I know when my air plant needs to be watered?
You can tell when your air plant needs to be watered when its leaves start to look dry, feel crispy, or curl inwards. If your air plant’s leaves become crispy, and the center of their leaves start to turn yellow or brown, that is an indication that your plant requires more water.
Additionally, you should check the soil around your air plant for dryness and water if needed. Air plants should generally be watered once a week, but this is determined by the environment and climate they are in.
You should feel the leaves of your air plant or wet your finger and touch the soil to determine if the air plant needs water. If the leaves feel firm and feel damp, then your air plant is doing fine and does not need to be watered.
Whenever you water your air plant, you should use an overhead spray for 5-10 minutes, or until the leaves are completely saturated. After that, it is best to shake off the excess water and let the plant dry completely before placing it back in its holder.
How do you keep air plants alive?
Keeping air plants alive is easy, especially for beginners! Air plants, sometimes called tillandsias, don’t require soil and can actually grow without any potting medium, as they absorb all their nutrients through their leaves.
Here are the key steps to keeping your air plants happy and healthy:
1. Light: Air plants need plenty of light and thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. While they do best in a window, they will also need additional light from a Grow Light if you don’t have a south or east-facing window.
2. Water: Air plants need regular mistings and baths about 2-3 times a week. When misting, make sure to mist the leaves all the way around, not just one side. Also be sure to remove any excess water and let the plant dry upside down so that water isn’t trapped at the base of the leaves.
For baths, submerge the plant in lukewarm water for around 20 minutes and then shake off excess water and let the plant dry upside down. In drier climates, water needs may increase.
3. Air Flow: Proper air circulation is key to keeping your air plant alive and thriving. Make sure to place your air plant in a spot with some movement in the air, such as a fan or air conditioning. This will help keep them healthy and prevent fungal issues.
4. Fertilizing: While air plants don’t need fertilizer, it can be beneficial for growth and bloom. If you choose to fertilize your plant, use a low-strength fertilizer and apply it when misting or bathing your plant.
Following these steps should help keep your air plants alive and happy for many years.
What is the lifespan of an air plant?
The lifespan of an air plant depends on the species and the environment it’s in. Generally, air plants have a life expectancy of 1-3 years, however, some varieties can live for as long as 5-7 years with the proper care.
To ensure your air plant thrives, it needs at least 8 hours of bright, indirect light, and weekly watering with an occasional misting. It’s also important to give your air plant some fresh air by placing it in an open-aired space, like a terrarium or balcony, to prevent rot and fungus caused by stagnant air.
Additionally, be sure to periodically fertilize your air plant with a water-soluble fertilizer to provide extra nutrients your plant needs for thick, healthy foliage. With the proper care, you can ensure that your air plant has a long and healthy life.
How often should I water air plants?
It depends on your environment and the air plant species, but generally, air plants need to be watered about twice a week. However, if your home is particularly dry, you may need to water your air plants more often.
To water your air plants, soak them in water for about 30 minutes, or until the plant has absorbed enough water. Then allow them to dry completely before returning them to their home. Also, some air plants need bright, indirect light, so it may be helpful to place them in a spot that receives some sunlight (without any direct rays).
Taking the time to care for your air plants properly will ensure they stay healthy and thriving.
Why are my air plants dying?
It is likely that your air plants are dying due to improper care. Air plants need bright, indirect sunlight, regular watering, and periodic fertilizing to stay healthy. Watering your air plants every 1-2 weeks with rainwater, distilled water, or filtered/de-chlorinated water is essential.
Since air plants don’t take nutrients from soil like a regular plant, they need to be misted with a diluted fertilizer solution every couple of weeks. If your air plants are getting too much direct sunlight, the leaves may start to burn, so it is important to ensure they get plenty of indirect sunlight and occasional shade.
Finally, air plants need to dry out completely between waterings, so make sure you never leave them in wet or damp conditions. Following these tips should help your air plants live a healthy and long life.
Can air plants survive in a bathroom?
Yes, air plants can survive in a bathroom. They thrive off of the water vapor from showers and baths, so the warm, humid environment of a bathroom is actually quite beneficial for them. As long as the bathroom has some natural light, such as a window or skylight, air plants can do well in this space.
It’s also important to give the plants a thorough misting or soaking every two weeks, so they can absorb the nutrients and moisture they need for healthy, long term growth. Additionally, make sure to use a water source that does not contain chlorine as this can be damaging to the plant.
Are air plants hard to take care of?
Air plants (also known as Tillandsias) are an incredibly easy type of plant to take care of. They are incredibly low maintenance and can thrive in almost any type of environment. All that is needed for air plants is regular watering and adequate airflow.
Air plants should be misted with water about twice a week, although more frequent watering may be necessary for hotter climates. Additionally, even though air plants do not require soil, they still need indirect sunlight, as this helps with photosynthesis.
Air plants also benefit from a soak in water, at least once every two weeks or so, for a few hours. Allowing your air plants to soak allows them to absorb moisture and nutrients more efficiently than they typically would with misting and can help ensure that they’re getting all the necessary hydration.
With the combination of misting, indirect light, and periodic soaking, air plants can be a wonderful addition to any home, with minimal effort.
What kind of water should I soak my air plant in?
When soaking air plants, the most ideal type of water to use is rainwater or distilled water. Tap water often contains chlorine and minerals which can build up over time and cause harm to the plants.
If you don’t have rainwater or distilled water available, you can use tap water that has been left out uncovered for at least 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate. In either case, you should try to avoid allowing the plant to sit in a pool of water for an extended period of time because this can cause root rot.
Air plants typically prefer to be lightly misted instead of soaked. If you choose to soak the plant, it should only be done every 2 to 4 weeks and not more than 12 hours at a time. Additionally, it’s important to make sure the plant is drained of any excess water afterwards.
Is bottled water OK for air plants?
While some people like to use bottled water for their air plants, it is not necessarily the best choice. Unlike other plants, air plants have adapted to the humid atmospheres of their native tropical environments.
Therefore, they may not respond well to the different levels of minerals and chemicals found in bottled water. Additionally, some bottled waters contain preservatives, including chlorine, which can be harmful to air plants.
Instead, it is recommended that air plants be watered with distilled or rainwater. If distilled water is not available, tap water that is kept at room temperature for 24 hours can also be used. The key is to avoid using overly chlorinated, fluoridated, and hard water on your plants.
Are air plants supposed to feel dry?
Yes, air plants are supposed to feel dry to the touch. This is because air plants require little water compared to other plants. They get the majority of their nutrients and water from the air, which is why they are known as “air plants”.
To keep them healthy and thriving, you should give them a thorough misting or soak in water once a week, depending on their type. After soaking, you should be sure to shake off the excess water and allow the plant to dry off before placing it back onto its holder.
This drying time allows the plant to absorb the nutrients from the air better, which is essential for its health.
What does healthy Tillandsia look like?
A healthy Tillandsia, or air plant, should appear to be well hydrated and vibrant in color. The leaves should be a deep green or grey-green hue and feel stiff but pliable to the touch. If air plants have heavier foliage, this is an indicator they are healthy.
Tillandsias bloom in a variety of colors and shapes depending on their species, so it’s important to do your research before buying. If the blooms fade or lose color, that can be an indicator a plant is not healthy.
Additionally, brown, crispy, or decaying leaves are all signs of an unhealthy Tillandsia, and it may need more frequent watering, or less, depending on its environmental needs. If your Tillandsia gets sunburned, it can also be a sign of being unhealthy, so it’s important to find the right balance of sun exposure for the species you own.
If you’re ever unsure about the health of your Tillandsia, a good rule of thumb is to simply fill a shallow dish with tepid water and let the air plant soak for 20 minutes. This ensures the necessary hydration to keep it happy and healthy.