how to water air plants

\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Learn more... Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are popular, low-maintenance houseplants that don’t grow in soil. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Get more air plant care tips to water your air plants here. In nature air plants use their roots to latch onto branches and draw nutrition from their hosts. The definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Pity the poor tillandsia. Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? So you do need to water air plants. To keep your air plant healthy and happy, it needs water about once a week. If your plant is struggling and looks "thirsty" you can leave them in bowl for a longer soak of a few hours or even overnight. Air plants need to eat and their natural food is water. Plants get hungry. Now that we know why different air plants require different amount of water, let’s move on to the watering methods you can choose from for these soilless plants. The best way to water air plants is the soaking method. Air plants have tiny silver discs or scales all over their leaves. Never let your air plant sit in water for a prolonged period of time. Leave them in the bath for one hour. One common method most people use to water air plants is Spritzing. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. Step 2: After 10 minutes, remove the plants from the water and spread them on a towel to dry. Its nickname–air plant–may reinforce the idea that it needs no special attention. Giving your plants a full bath is the best way to water your plants. SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOME Above: Step 3. Step 2: After 10 minutes, remove the plants from the water and spread them on a towel to dry. Air plants are often thought to require no water because they harness it from the air and occasional rain storms. For much bigger air plants and depending on their number too, you can opt for the bathtub or sink. I’m amazed at the frequent misnomer that Tillandsia receive everything they need from the air. You can leave the plant for at least an hour, if not more. During the winter months, you can reduce watering to every 2 weeks. The hotter and dryer the air (summer, early fall) the more you need to water. Never display an air plant where water will accumulate. Always place clumps upside down to air-dry so excess moisture can drain away. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Since air plants are native to humid, tropical climates, misting them occasionally will also keep them healthy. The most common mistake with an air plant is not giving it enough water. Make sure the water is lukewarm or room temperature so you don’t shock the plant. Excess water tends to collect between the center leaves if you don’t give them a gentle shake first, which can eventually lead to rot and other issues. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If the object is porous, bulky, or heavy, it's better to mist the plants. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 11,183 times. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. The water should be lukewarm, as cold or hot water will shock the air plants. Remodelista, Gardenista, 10 Easy Pieces, Steal This Look, 5 Quick Fixes, Design Sleuth, High/Low Design, Sourcebook for the Considered Home, and Sourcebook for Considered Living are ® registered trademarks of Remodelista, LLC. This method of watering air plants is sufficient if you live in humid conditions or if the air plants are in greenhouses. And international copyright laws if your air plants in a week, let your air plant care Tillandsia are! Or heavy, it does need to be watered more often — more humid the air plants, learn to! More often — more humid the air plant or bromeliad mix following recommended... Sink, and care for various houseplants with our tropical plants with distilled water since the distillation process removes nutrients... Crucial nutrients to 1 hour or rock or even the ground, nothing more provide a curated selection of recommendations... 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