[Ep-13] Caring for Air Plants
Air plants share some characteristics with mosses. Some have long roots at the base, but these are not for absorbing water and nutrients; they help the plant cling to branches, rocks, and other surfaces.
They do not need soil to take up nutrients. Instead, their leaf surfaces absorb water, and they can absorb nutrients from the air.
However,
many people may not know that air plants need soaking, or may not know the right time to water them.
Let’s get to the main points:
Light: They can be placed in low-light to bright indoor spaces.
If they are in direct full sun all day, provide shade to avoid leaf burn from excessive sunlight.
You may see fine silvery hairs on some air-plant leaves; these collect water and reflect sunlight.
Air plants with leaves densely covered in silvery hairs usually come from high-light habitats.
The silver helps protect against sun and allows them to adapt to drier, more exposed settings.
Some air plants have greener, glossier leaves. These species typically come from more shaded habitats and prefer higher humidity and shelter, so they need less light and more moisture. See our post about light: EP-04 Full Sun, Partial Sun & Indirect Light.
Temperature: Air plants grow most rapidly at 18–26°C.
Some air plants are very sensitive to cold; do not water them during cold snaps.
Moisture: Silver-leaf varieties can maintain good growth in dry environments.
Overwatering can trap excess water in the leaf axils. After watering, you can turn them upside down to reduce the chance of water accumulating in the centre. Adjust watering to the weather. In hot, dry conditions, mist leaves to raise humidity and lower temperature; in winter, water less.
Because air plants use CAM photosynthesis,
evenings and late afternoons are the best times to water them,
and watering under direct sun is not recommended.
Key points for watering air plants:
Video backup link:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/e7kxg5ijvD8
Also: tips for mounting air plants onto boards
Air plant care checklist
* Keep the growing environment well ventilated.
* Provide appropriate water; there should be no water accumulation in the centre.
* After each spray or watering, allow the plant to dry. Do not keep it wet for prolonged periods.
* Adjust watering frequency according to the indoor environment and weather.
* If conditions allow, use filtered water or tap water left to stand overnight to allow chlorine and fluoride to dissipate.
Everyone’s growing environment is different; learn to observe.
When a plant first arrives in a new home, it usually needs time to adapt. The closer the environment matches its natural habits, the faster it adapts. Sometimes environmental change can accelerate metabolism and cause some leaf drop — this is normal. Observe the plant’s changes.
Taking photos for records is a useful way to compare changes over time.
You are also welcome to share plant photos in our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5258158664267819/?ref=share
Thanks for reading to the end!
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If you have plant questions, you are welcome to make an appointment with us:
Or
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