Consider cultivating anair plantif you ’re searching for a uncomplicated yet strange houseplant . Indoor air plantsare well - recognise for requiringlittle maintenance , piss them staring for novices . What specify them apart from traditional plants is their power to maturate without grunge , make them not only fascinating but also highly adaptable to various indoor space . airwave plants , usually from theTillandsiagenus , derive in century of varieties that are fun to display in originative ways around your domicile .
This ultimate guide will wrap up everything you need to know to care for and get these tropical wonder successfully .
What Is an Air Plant?
The term “ air plant ” refers to a specific case ofplant that does n’t require ground to grow . alternatively , they grow on the Earth’s surface of other plant , usually trees , without being parasitic . Air plant , also calledepiphytes , soak up piss and food right away from the air , rain , and nearby organic debris . The term aerophyte uprise from the Greek word “ Eysenck Personality Inventory ” meaning “ on top of ” and “ phyte ” meaning “ plant . ”
Basic Information:
How to Care for Air Plants
Thoughair plantsare low - sustentation , they do require some specific care to see to it they flourish indoors . Here ’s a breakdown of the primal arena to focus on when caring for yourTillandsia .
Light
zephyr plants naturally grow in the shaded area of tropic timber , so they preferbright , indirect light . avert exposing them to prolonged unmediated sunlight , which can burn their soft leaf . A elbow room with dribble light or a place near a window with gauze-like curtains is ideal .
Watering
Though air plants do n’t grow in soil , they still require even lacrimation . The most vulgar method acting is to soak them in a bowl of piss for 20 - 40 second every one to two weeks . Someair plantsmay prefer misting or a ready dunk rather of overcharge . Always search the specific type ofair plantyou own to watch its preferred watering method . Usedistilledor rain , as water faucet water may contain chemicals that harm your plants .
Temperature and Humidity
Air works thrive inwarm , humid environments , make them well - suited to rooms like bathrooms or kitchen . Ideal temperature range from 50 ° F to 90 ° F ( 10 ° C to 32 ° C ) . Ensure they ’re not placed in overly wry areas or near air conditioning / heating plant vents , as dry air can stimulate desiccation .
Fertilizing
To keep your gentle wind plants healthy , you could fertilize them once or twice a calendar month using awater - soluble fertilizerdesigned for bromeliads orair plants . Add the fertilizer to the weewee when you sop or obscure your plant . This will give them thenutrientsthey require to grow , flower , and produce unexampled offset , or “ pups . ”
Creative Ways to Display Air Plants
One of the best things aboutair plantsis their versatility in how you’re able to display them . Since they do n’t require grime , you ’re free to get originative . Here are some mind :
Terrariums are a pop way to display air plant , but keep in mind that some coinage , likexeric airwave plants , which come from dryer climates , may not thrive in humid confine terrariums . Mesic airwave plant , however , which are used to living in humid environments , are a good fit .
Popular Types of Air Plants
There are hundreds of varieties ofair plantsspanning multiple plant families . Below are some well - known type ofepiphytesyou might consider for your home :
Pruning and Propagating Air Plants
As airwave plant life develop , they may shed their older , outer leaves by nature . you could attend by gently remove desiccated or stagnant leave of absence . Pruningkeeps the works healthy and encourages new growth . When foliage become damage , trim them with sterilized garden shears at an slant to maintain the industrial plant ’s coming into court .
Propagation
Mostair plantscan be propagated through the division ofpups , which are offshoots that grow from the base of operations of a mature flora . When the pups reach about one - third the size of the parent flora , they can be separated and grown as independent plants .
Stem Cuttings (for some species)
In some cases , you could spread air plants usingstem cut . After submit a press clipping , admit it to dry out for 24 hour , then place the cut last in water . Over time , new roots will get to form .
Common Issues and Solutions
Whileair plantsare broadly soft to like for , there are some coarse problems that may arise .
Browning Tips
Brown or crispy leaf tips indicate a want of moisture . Increase thehumidityaround the plant or water more frequently . If this does n’t help , consider increase the lachrymation agenda .
Mushy Stems
Overwatering can precede to rot , indicated by brown , squishy prow . To bring through the plant , remove the damage sphere and shrink your watering schedule .
Pests
Mealybugs and scale insects can attackair plants , causing wilting and discoloration . Combat these pestis by wipe the parting withrubbing alcoholand treating the plant withneem oil .
Blooming Air Plants
One of the most exciting moments for any aviation flora fancier is when their plantblooms . However , air plants bloom only once in their life-time . After blooming , they pitch their energy towards producing pup . Air plant ’ bloomscome in a variety of vibrant colors , including ruby , pink , blue , and purple , and can last anywhere from a few day to several months , count on the metal money .
How to Encourage Blooms
To help yourair plantbloom , ensure it pay off plenty ofindirect light , unconstipated watering , and is run monthly . Once the flower shuck come out , it ’s essential to uphold good care modus operandi to enjoy the vibrant display for as long as potential .
Post-Bloom Care
After blooming , snip the heyday stalk at the base to direct the plant ’s get-up-and-go toward growingpups . These pup will finally grow into mature plants , continuing the lifecycle .
Conclusion
Air plantsare an incredible addition to any indoor garden , thanks to their unique growth substance abuse and versatility in video display choice . With minimal maintenance and the ability to boom without dirt , they are staring for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts . By ply the rightlight , water , andhumidity , your atmosphere plant will thrive and reinforce you with beautiful blooms and offshoots .
