Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are trendy house plants that are easy to care for. Unlike regular plants that need soil, air plants are different. They get most of their nutrients from the air around them. These phenomenal plants do not need dirt to grow.
In order to keep your air plant healthy, you will need to water it about once a week. The best type of water to use is bottled water or filtered tap water. Just make sure to avoid distilled water. This is because it does not have the nutrients that air plants need to thrive. Below are two major ways you can water your air plants.
Soak Your Loose Air Plants
The following are steps to take when you want to hydrate your air plants:
Step 1: Water
One way to keep your air plants healthy is to give them a good soak. The following are the steps you need to carry this method out:
- Start by filling a clean container with water. The container could be a tub, bucket, or sink. The water should either be room-temperature bottled water or tap water that has been filtered. This kind of water has the nutrients that air plants need. It is important for the water to be at room temperature; that is, the water must not be too hot or too cold.
- Put enough water in the container so that the air plants can be fully covered. Before you start, make sure the container is clean to avoid dirt or chemicals getting on the plants. Another important thing is not to use distilled water. It might seem fine, but it lacks the nutrients air plants need to stay healthy.
Step 2: Immerse the Air Plants in the Water
Air plants are special plants that do not need soil to grow. Therefore, instead of growing them in pots or containers, you can grow them in small clusters that you can pick up with your hands.
To give them water, gently place the clusters into the bowl of water you made in step one. Make sure they are fully covered or fully submerged in the water. You can soak several air plants at once without a problem.
If your air plant is attached to something like a shell or a piece of wood, it would be better to spray it with water instead of soaking it; this is called misting. This way, the plant still gets the moisture it needs without damaging the surface it is attached to.
Step 3: Soak the Plant for 15 Minutes and Remove Excess Water
To keep your plants healthy, soak them in water for about 15 minutes. Sometimes, the plants might float to the top, but that is normal. Just make sure most of each plant stays beneath the water for the full 15 minutes. After soaking, gently take the plants out and give them a little shake.
This will help to remove any extra water, especially from the middle of the leaves. If water gets stuck there, it can cause the plant to rot or have other problems. If your air plants look really dry, you can leave them in the water for up to an hour to give them a much deeper soak.
Step 4: Dry Your Air Plants
After watering your air plants, flip them upside down and place them on a paper towel. This will help to remove excess water by letting it drip off. Let them dry completely in the air. This usually takes about 30 minutes. If the plant is bigger or if it has a complicated shape, it might take longer.
You can gently touch the center of the leaves with your fingers to see if they are still wet. Once they are totally dry, put them back where they usually stay. Always make sure to place them upside down when drying; this way, the water will not get trapped and harm the plant.
Step 5: Water Regularly
In order to keep your air plants healthy, follow this routine every week. If the leaves look pale or feel soft, it means they need more water. Leaves that curl up or roll also show that the plant is thirsty. During colder months, like winter, you can water them less often, about once every two weeks.
ALSO READ: Amazing Vegetable Gardening Hacks To Try Now
Misting Mounted Air Plants
If your air plant has been mounted or is attached to something that cannot go underwater, like a piece of wood or a rock, misting is the best option. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Use the Right Water
Fill a plastic spray bottle with either bottled water or filtered tap water. Make sure the water is at room temperature. This means it should not be too hot or too cold. Again, do not use distilled water.
Step 2: Spray Generously
Spray the plants thoroughly until water drips off their leaves. This way of watering will give them enough moisture if you spray a lot. Make sure the plants get soaked enough that water runs off.
Step 3: Mist Regularly
Air plants need steady moisture to stay alive. This is because they come from tropical or warm climates. To keep them hydrated, mist them at least once a week. Make sure they get a good soak each time to help them stay healthy.
Step 4: Good Placement
Air plants need good air flow to stay healthy. If they stay wet for too long, they can rot. To avoid this, place them in a spot with lots of fresh air so that they will dry completely after you spray them with water. A bright, open room with plenty of light is a perfect spot.
Make sure the surface you mount your air plant on does not soak up water. For example, cork is not a good choice because it absorbs water. Also, air plants love bright light, so keep them close to a window. Placing them about 3 to 7 feet away is ideal if they are indoors.
Taking good care of your air plants is really important if you want them to stay healthy and grow well. You need to water them when you see signs that they are getting too dry. You also need to put them in a spot with lots of fresh air and enough light. It will help them stay strong and grow better.
