Tillandsia (air plants) are increasingly popular as an easy-care houseplant, but not well understood when it comes to when and how to water them.
I’ve killed quite a few air plants, although I followed the general care instructions that came with the air plants. Depending on the air plant species and natural habitat (tropical or arid), the amount of light and moisture varies.
One misconception is air plants get “all nutrients” from the air. Well…there is some truth to that misconception. Some type of moisture precipitation needs to be present in the air like rain, mist, or fine water vapors in order for air plants to get the nutrients it needs. “Air” alone does not provide the nutrients.
The tillandsia is call an “air plant” because it grows without soil. As an epiphyte, it absorbs water nutrients through its leaves, not through roots. The tillandsia uses its roots to attach itself to trees or porous rock structures.
Signs of Over-watering
Air plants need moisture and routine watering. Too much water will quickly cause rot that is irreversible. Once rot happens, the air plant is dead.
Signs to know if your air plant is getting too much water are starting to rot:
- base of plant feels very soft and no longer firm
- base of plant starting to darken or look black
- able to pull out the center leaves with ease
To prevent rot:
- water (shower) once per week (according to your climate). Lightly mist between watering schedule.
- don’t soak air plant for an extended period of time. A shower or a quick dunk is likely enough water. Some bulbous air plant species don’t like to be soaked.
- shake off excess water and lay the air plant upside down (if possible) for water to drain from the leaf craves
- allow to dry with good air circulation. Air circulation is critical for air plants to dry properly and not hold on to excess moisture.
- if kept in a terrarium, be sure to allow the air plant to dry completely (few hours) before placing it back in the terrarium. Most terrariums hold good moisture but don’t have good air circulation.
- closely observe how well your air plant responds. Make watering adjustment if needed.
Signs of Under-watering
As mentioned previously, air plants need moisture and regular watering. Not enough moisture and water can quickly cause the air plant to dry out.
Signs to know if your air plant isn’t getting enough water:
- dry brown leaf tips
- leaves curling inward and feeling crispy
- base of plant starting to feel dry and hollow
- base no longer firm and plump
To prevent dry out:
- keep a route watering and misting schedule
- water (shower) once per week. A shower or a quick dunk is likely enough water for your air plant. Mist between waterings (according to your climate).
- if very dry, soak plant for 10 to 15 minutes. Take care to not over soak. Some bulbous air plant species don’t like to be soaked and may develop rot.
- keep air plant away from heating elements and direct sunlight. Heat depletes moisture from the air plant.
Depending on dryness severity, an air plant can be saved if rehydrated upon first signs of dryness. Some other resources I’ve read suggests soaking severely dry air plants for several hours (up to 24 hours). I have not tried this method to personally verify that it works.
I’ve come to this conclusion. The best success with caring for a tillandsia air plant is understanding what it needs to survive in its natural habitat. Once you have that understanding, mimic its habitat in your home as much as possible. Better yet, seek an air plant that best fits into your habitat. If you live in a dry climate, an arid air plant might be best for you. If living in a humid tropical climate, tropical air plants may be a better choice.
