Maybe you’ve picked up a stray air plant at the local market, intrigued by its seemingly uncomplicated nature and curled leaves. Or maybe you’ve been given this funny looking plant and are curious about its care. Whatever the case, it’s crucial to pay attention to its watering habits. While air plants (Tillandsia) are indeed well adapted to life without soil, that does not mean that they can live without water. 

Every 7 – 9 days, your air plant will need a bath – a good soak in water and misting as needed. Otherwise, improper watering can lead to root rot, a common killer. Read on to learn how you can keep your air plants alive, and if you’re lucky, watch them bloom. 

Understanding Air Plants

Like other epiphytes (a group of plants that includes ferns, bromeliads, orchids, and lichen), air plants glean their nutrients from the surrounding air, anchoring themselves to surfaces through specialized cells. 

The most common air plants are a pale green, though more colorful varieties can have vividly bright tips branded in shades of red, magenta, and purple. Their appeal lies in their hassle-free display setup – they can be grown anywhere as long there is bright, indirect light. While most air plants are compact in size, some varieties can grow to towering lengths of seven feet. Tillandsia ionantha 'Hand Grenade' is an interesting, rare variety that has an ‘explosive’ form. 

Air plants can be situated anywhere, as long as it isn’t cramped, from the inside of large shells to crystals and glass terrariums. You can even display an office table. Air plant aficionados will have several on hand, displaying them in groups as curios, much like a rock collection. Avoid buying glued air plants or gluing them together, as this prevents them from being properly removed and watered. 

How to Properly Water Air Plants

Overwatering is often the main cause of dead houseplants. Many beginners make the mistake of neglecting their air plants. Even experienced gardeners can make mistakes, as watering is often based on intuition and external factors like the weather. Since air plants derive their nutrients from moisture, their natural habitat is high in humidity. They will thrive at room temperatures, provided that there is good air circulation. 

When it comes to watering air plants, simplicity is preferred – simply submerge them in a bowl of water and wait. While misting will help improve humidity levels, the soaking method is recommended. Do not rely solely on misting your air plant, which will not provide it with adequate moisture. 

Soaking Method

1. Fill a Bowl with Water

Refrain from using chlorinated water. Instead, use rainwater or filtered water for your air plants. while tap water won’t outright kill your plants, the chemicals will kill off beneficial soil microbes (if you won’t drink it, then it’s likely not ideal for plants either). 

2. Submerge the Air Plant 

Depending on the size, soak for 20 – 30 minutes. Prolonged soaking, which is generally over an hour, can lead to root rot. 

3. Place Upside Down to Dry   

After soaking, remove the plant and shake off excess moisture – it’s important that there is no water collecting at the base. Then, turn it upside down and lay to dry on a paper towel. Within four hours, it should be completely dry. Wait until your air plant is completely dry before returning it to its spot.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to place your air plant upside down to dry? 

Yes, placing your air plant upside down will help the water trapped in the crevices to evaporate more effectively. Do not put it in the sun or window to dry; they will be more prone to burning. During the winter months, stagnant air and excessive heat can negatively affect air plants, so make sure to place them away from heaters. Also, avoid cool locations, as they can kill your air plants. 

How often should you water your air plant?

You should water your air plant every 7 – 9 days; however, during the winter months, when plant transpiration slows down, reduce your watering the frequency to once every 2 to 3 weeks. 

Do air plants need fertilizer? 

Air plants do not need fertilizer, though they can benefit from a specialized fertilizer like Epiphytes Delight. Use a diluted amount and judiciously apply it. 

Should you soak brown / shriveled air plants longer? 

Dry tips appearing on air plants are mostly cosmetic damage and pose no cause for concern. If it appears very neglected or dry, extended watering may possibly help revive it, though caution should be exercised. Persistently browning roots are likely signs that your air plant is beyond recovery; in this instance, remove dead parts and see if there are any offsets, called ‘pups,’ that you can salvage.  

Can air plants flower? 

Yes, air plants will occasionally bear colorful flowers – the larger the size, the longer the flowering period generally is. When that happens, it is an ending of sorts, as the air plant will eventually die, although you can propagate it through pups. The silvery Xerographica will produce magnificent spikes of orange-red stalks that can last up to a year. 

During the bloom period, extra fertilization and misting may be required so that the plant can divert its energy to flower production.