Air Plants: Facts, Benefits, Grow and Care Tips in 2023

Air plants are unique, easy-to-care indoor plants that can grow in any type of home. With their characteristic potted look and wide range of colours, air plants will add a touch of nature to your space and make it feel more alive.

Air plants can grow on a variety of different surfaces like wires, tree branches, bark, bare rocks, etc. Most of these species have minimal root systems due to adapting to growing on shifting desert soil. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some of them flower every year.

Air plants are also known as Tillandsia or “air warts”. The most common types of air plants are Tillandsia bulbosa and Tillandsia usneoides. Air plants are native to South America, Central America, and Mexico.

See also: Ferns: Are they merely an ornamental plant? Know why you should plant it indoors

What are air plants?

Air plants grow floating in the air, where they live and thrive without soil. Part of the Bromeliad family, they are plants that attach themselves to other plants for support, without relying on the host to thrive.

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Key facts about Air plants

Types of Air plants

Scientists have found over 659 varieties of air plants or Tillandsias around the world. Some varieties bear flowers frequently while others just bloom once in a few years. There are certain varieties that are mostly seen in the wild. However, there are also a few selections that are grown at home by plant enthusiasts. 

Here are three of the most commonly grown air plants around the world:-

Spanish moss

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Spanish moss is the most popular type of air plant that is commonly grown in nurseries and home gardens. These epiphytic flowering plants grow predominantly in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant is native to Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central America, South America, the Southern United States, and West Indies. It is widely grown as a houseplant and has become naturalised in many other nations. This air plant has short and thin leaves, and the plant hangs down to form trellises.

Tillandsia streptophylla

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Tillandsia streptophylla is an exceptional air plant that is popular for its beautiful leaves. This plant also belongs to the genus Tillandsia like other air plants. This species finds its origin in Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies. It grows upto a few inches but can get bushy over time. The primary attraction of this variety is its rich curly leaves that drop down like locks. It is a unique air plant with beautiful leaves that are rarely seen in other varieties.

Wallisia cyanea

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Wallisia cyanea is a beautiful air plant that flowers occasionally. This plant is known by its common name pink quill and is a part of the Tillandsia family. The plant has its origin in the rainforests of Ecuador and other parts of America. It can grow upto 50 cm (20 in) and has thin and long leaves. The flowers bloom in spring and autumn. Each flower is thin, flat, and violet in colour. It is a great plant to keep for purifying the air and adding a touch of colour to your green garden.

Where can I buy Air plants?

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You can find air plants online at many different retailers like Amazon, eBay, Flipkart and even local stores. You can also purchase them through specialty shops like e-mart if they sell them in your area.

How to grow Air plants?

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One of the most fascinating plants you can nurture indoors are air plants. They look lovely in a hanging basket or on a bookshelf and require little maintenance.

Here is the guide on how to grow the air plants:

• Clean the soil from all roots by gently peeling it away, removing any dead leaves, and washing with water.
• If necessary, remove your air plant from its container and clean it with a damp cloth or sponge; air plants can accumulate a lot of dust.
• Add fresh soil to the air plant’s container, making sure that it is slightly damp, but not too wet.
• Place your air plant back into its container and fill it with water until it comes up almost to the top of the container (this will help keep the soil evenly moist).
• Make sure your plant’s soil doesn’t show any indications of rotting or the development of mould. If there is mould growing on your plant’s soil, remove it as soon as possible by washing it off as much as possible with warm soapy water, then let it dry before replacing it in your container.

Air plant care

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Air plants are the most recognisable form of houseplants. They are often grown as indoor decorations in homes and offices. Whether you’re new to air plants or have had them for years, you can keep your air plant happy by following a few basic guidelines.

Water

Daily watering with room-temperature water is recommended for air plants. Ensure that the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Just let it get to the point where it feels just slightly dry to the touch.

Light

If your plant is outdoors, place it in a shady spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you have an indoor plant, place it near a window with indirect light.

Temperature

Air plants prefer temperatures between 25-35 degrees Celsius for optimal health. They will do well in temperatures as low as 16 degrees Celsius but will suffer if exposed to freezing temperatures for more than two hours at once.

Benefits of Air plants

Air plants are some of the most popular varieties that are grown at home and in nurseries. They’re non-toxic for you and your pets.

The sheer beauty of these plants makes them a coveted addition to your garden. However, air plants are not just planted for their ornamental value. They do have certain benefits that make the plants even more desirable.

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Here are some of the top benefits of keeping air plants at home:-

Cleans the air from toxins

Air plants have been certified by NASA to have air purifying qualities. The plant helps remove toxins present in the air that are harmful to human health. With the level of pollution that is present in the air, these plants can be extremely beneficial in cleaning the air and making it safe for breathing. 

Boosts mental health 

Several studies have shown that air plants or plants, in general, can help boost your mood and reduce stress levels. These plants are beautiful to look at and help maintain a clean and calm environment. Additionally, they are pretty low maintenance and can be kept indoors. This means you can enjoy the plant without worrying about its care necessities.

Increases your home’s energy efficiency

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Air plants can increase the energy efficiency of your home by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air that surrounds them. If you have a greenhouse or conservatory, you can use a special bulb designed for growing air plants indoors to help reduce your energy bills throughout the year.

Importance and benefits of air plants

• Easy to grow
• Purifies air
• Reduces stress
• Great for urban setting
• Best for office desk
• Available in a great variety of option

Where to keep air plants?

For proper growth, place air plants within 1 to 3 foot of an east- or west-facing window or within a foot or two of an artificial light source.

How do fertilise air plants?

Feed air plants once a month. Add water-soluble fertiliser for in the water you dunk them in.

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