How To Care For The Lovely Air Plants That Adorn Your Home

It’s always fun to find new interests and new types of home decor items to obsess over. Plants are one of the best things you can obsess over in your home because they are beneficial to your home, your health, and the planet. 

Air plants are one type of plant that you may or may not have heard of. They are amazing plants that d not need soil to survive, making them unique and fun to decorate with. Let’s learn more about them today.

What Are Air Plants?

Air plants are scientifically known as Tillandsias. These plants are part of the Bromeliaceae or Bromeliad species. This may explain why they look like pineapple tops as pineapples are also Bromeliads.

In the wild, these plants are often found in dry areas without the most fertile soil, but they can be found anywhere, especially in the Americas. There is one thing that makes these plants extra special.

That is the fact that they are Epiphytes. This means that they don’t need to grow in soil. What they do need is something to latch onto. Once they start to bloom, they can flower, but only once in their lifetime.

When they do grow, their new pups will latch on and kind of become part of the parent, making them look much larger than they actually are. So they can use their parent as a base to grow from instead of soil. 

Can You Put Air Plants In Soil?

This is probably the number one question when it comes to questions about air plants. It is completely valid but in fact, air plants cannot and will not grow in soil. Soil can kill the plants whereas other plants can help them thrive.

The most common place to plant air plants is on another plant. But if the plant is already an adult, then it can be planted on objects such as rocks or even artificial planters that you have built yourself. 

Choosing An Air Plant Holder

There are many different types of air plant holders to choose from. But unlike the pots that you see standard plants in, air plants need to be planted in something that gives them room to grow all the way around.

Geometric Air Plant Holder

This DIY air plant holder is adorable! All you have to do to create these plants is use brass rods, or rods of your choice to create the shape. From here, you can use any details that make you happy with your planter.

Because they are made with rods, these planters can actually be designed any way that you want. Make extra crevices for multiple plants or keep it large and simple for larger adult plants, as long as there is room for babies. 

Air Plant Desk Stand

If you prefer to place your air plant on the desk, then this simple design may be for you. For this one, you simply need to secure floral wire, or another stiff wire, to a wooden block and you have your base.

The best part about this one is that you can shape it any way you want. Both the wire and the wooden stand. The wire can be twisted and shaped and the block can be carved to create that perfect stand.

Jellyfish Air Plant Holder

Did you know that air plants can be hung upside down? That’s why the jellyfish plant holder is so popular. It consists of a round base that is hung upside-down with the plant growing down instead of up.

There are many ways to make the base, the only thing you need to focus on is giving the plant enough space and then making sure that it won’t fall out. These aren’t too difficult to achieve so this can work out great!

Terrarium For Air Plants 

A small terrarium is an amazing way to show off your air plants. As long as you give them room to grow and plenty of air, then they can thrive with ease and look good doing it. After all, there is so much room to customize. 

Finding Air Plants For Sale

Finding out where to buy air plants isn’t always easy. This is because most places sell potted plants that are planted in soil. But air plants are different and oms nurseries don’t even carry air plants. 

Plants.com

It’s no surprise to hear that air plants can be purchased at a site called Plants. But their selection itself is surprising even to those who expect it. They even sell air plants that already have a planter or hanger with them. 

The Sill

The Sill has some wonderfully priced air plants that you just can’t resist. They have some of the greatest prices and greatest selections with the highest-end plants you’ll find so check them out soon.

Lowe’s

Of course, places like Lowe’s and Home Depot will have air plants, but it’s always worth mentioning in case you’ve forgotten to check out their selections. Shop local stores for the freshest plants you can get. 

Urban Outfitters 

Here we go again! Urban Outfitters is really an amazing place for many things on your shopping list, but you probably didn’t know that there are a lot of plant options at Urban Outfitters. Don’t forget to look at them. 

Etsy

Etsy will always have wonderful options for everything you can imagine. They literally do have something for everyone. Air plants are easy to transport as far as plants go, so they have plenty of air plants in stock. 

How To Care For Air Plants

When it comes to air plant care, things aren’t as simple as they are with other types of plants. But the only, reason it’s considered not as simple to care for air plants is that you need to throw out your previous knowledge. 

How To Water Air Plants

Air plants definitely don’t need soil, but they do need water. The best way to start is to mist them a couple of times a day and then give them a bath every week. Giving them a bath is easier than it sounds.

You should have them submerged in a water bath for about 20 to 30 minutes, then lightly shake them. Afterward, you can hang them back out to dry, ensuring they get enough sun to dry off properly. 

How To Keep Air Plants The Right Temperature 

A good range for the air plant is somewhere between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. So keeping them warm but not too warm is easy indoors as your indoor temperature should always stay within this range.

However, if they occasionally get colder than 55 or warmer than 85, they won’t die right away. It’s really about the amount of exposure that they get or else they’d die when you brought them in from the car. 

How To Give Air Plants Sunlight 

Air plants do well when they are in direct sunlight for most of the day. If you can’t give them a decent amount of sunlight each day, then opt for fluorescent lighting. However, it can be too bright for air plants too.

If your plants seem to be drying out, then mist them more often. Most of the time, they won’t need to be misted more than once a day. But you may need to mist them more than that if it is too hot or dry. 

Hanging Air Plants

Air plants or Tillandsia have become really popular lately and that’s mostly due to their minimal requirements and easy maintenance. Caring for an air plant is very simple and there are tons of stylish ways in which you can use these to decorate your home. Whether you display them in a terrarium, hang them with fishing line or put them in a glass bowl, air plants always look lovely and very chic.

Although there are many different types of air plants and lots of different species, the most common one is Tillandsia. This is the symbol of air plants everywhere, representing more than 500 other species. Other air plants found in nature include the Spanish moss, ball moss, broad needleleaf, Bartram’s air plant, Chinese evergreen, peace lily, snake plant and weeping fig.

Air plant care is easy for all species. They require three things: light, air circulation and water. We’ll detail them each. First of all, keep in mind that air plants like bright but filtered light so keep out of direct sunlight most of the time (from April to October). In the interval between November and March they enjoy sitting in direct sun since it won’t burn them.

If you choose to use an air plant terrarium or some other type of enclosure, it would be best for it to have at least one side of screen mesh so the air can circulate through. The optimal temperature for air plants is usually between 10 and 322 degrees Celsius (50-90 Fahrenheit).

When you first receive your air plant it would be indicated to soak it for 20-30 minutes. The rest of the time, water it every 5 days if the air is dry or every 10 days in humid air. Spray misting is insufficient without the regular watering. It is, however, beneficial in between these periods.

For a healthy development of your air plants, use fertilizer twice a month. Curled or rolled leaves are the sign of a dehydrated plant. If you’re still uncertain about some details, there are plenty of other online sources that teach you how to care for air plants.

Air plants don’t need soil. They get all their nutrients from the atmosphere and they grow on other plants or structures, using them as support. Unlike parasite plants, they don’t harm them and only anchors themselves to these host structures.

Some air plants also bloom. They make small pups which you can remove when they’re around 1/3 or ½ the size of the mother plant. Gently twist to remove them. The mother plant slowly dies after making pups but may still leave for a few more months or even years.

DIY Air plants Projects 

Air plants can be displayed in a lot of different ways. The most popular option is to hang them. This, for example, is a very simple project. You only need polymer clay, a rolling pin and something to cut the clay with in order to make this marbled hanger.{found on delineateyourdwelling}.

You can easily make these copper hangers yourself using pipes, string and wire. Measure and cut the thin copper pipes and then cut the string to size. Insert the string through each pipe and connect these to form a triangle shape using wire. Then attach three longer pieces of pipe for the top section and three smaller ones for the bottom.{found on brit}.

These chic geometric air plant holders are made of coffee stirrers and wire. Their design is similar to that of the triangle copper hanger featured above. After you cut the coffee stirrers to the desired length, cut a piece of wire and thread four small pieces onto it to form a square. Then attach four larger pieces to the corners to make a piramid-like structure. Repeat for the other side.{found on thesurznickcommonroom}.

Clay hanging planters are also an option and you can make them yourself in any shape you want. If you like these ones, you can make something similar. Roll out the clay and use a square cookie cutter to cut out a section. Cut that into two triangles. Use more clay to make a long rectangle. Cut the triangle in half and then bend the rectangle along its edges. Put the other triangle on top to complete the form.{found on squirrellyminds}.

Perhaps you’d also like the look of these macrame air plant hangers. The containers are actually sections of plastic Easter eggs but you can improvise with this part. To make the hanger, use faux suede cording or something similar. Find out all the details of the process on akailochiclife.

The most popular option, however, is this type of glass terrarium which you can hang with fishing line. Inside the terrarium, you can put some colored sand at the bottom, then add some pebbles and put the air plant on top.

You can either put the air plant directly in this geometric holder or contain it in a planter. The inspiration for the planter comes from a traditional Finnish ornament made of straw or reeds. These are usually hanger above the dining table.{found on Etsy}.

The Sphere hanging baskets featured here let you mix and match your air plants for a lush display. They come in four different sizes and they pair with custom-fitted liners. The baskets are made of steel with a rust patina and they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.{found on shopterrain}.

Make your own paper mache bowls for displaying air plants using balloons, flour, newspaper, paint and string. First make the balloon as large as you want, depending on the desired size of the bowl. Mix some flour and water and cut strips of newspaper. Dip them into the mixture and cover the balloon, leaving out a section. Let it dry overnight. Then add another layer of newspaper strips and let it dry. Pop the balloon and then paint the pod.{found on themerrythought}.

Alternatively, you can buy these chic hanging planters which you can use both indoor and outdoor. This is a set of three hanging planters available on Etsy. They measure around 3.5” in diameter with a 2.5” opening and they’re entirely handmade. A clear coat protects them on both sides.

The Penta planter is made of brass and stands out thanks to its clean and geometric design. It measures 9.5” in height and it’s 7” long and 6” wide. It’s made using aluminum, copper and brass and it’s important to make sure your air plant is not affected by the copper since it can be poisonous to some species.{found on etsy}.

For small or baby air plants you can use copper couplers as a display system. You’ll need a rail and hooks for that and these can be spray painted in any color you want. Drill two holes in each copper coupler and thread wire or twine through them to make a hanging loop. Each coupler is then hanged on a hook.{found on gatheredcheer}.

A different option is a ceramic air plant holder which can feature a variety of different colors. Because each of these pods is handmade, that means each one has unique characteristics. The sisal rope gives them a lot of character.{found on Etsy}.

These mini cones are both cute and stylish, showcasing air plants in a rather elegant way. Their vibrant glaze color is given by the finishing process. The planters are fired in gas reduction and no two look the same. They’re small, measuring only 2”.{found on Etsy}.

Copper fittings are a good option if you prefer a more industrial look. The back panel on which the copper fittings are displayed is made of concrete. Cotton rope lets you hang it wherever you want. If you want, you can make something yourself and you’ll a mold which can have any form you want.{found on Etsy}.

A simple and interesting handmade planter for air plants can come in the form of a glass jar. It’s pretty much the same idea you can use for displaying candles. Basically you just wrap some twine or cord around the mouth of the jar and then make a long strap which can be hanged from a tree outside or anywhere indoor.{found on sauvages}.

You can hang the Mason jars with rope or twine and attach them to wall-mounted hooks. You can put some small pebbled at the bottom of the jar or you can decorate it with shells and other things. Air plants don’t need soil so replace it with anything you want or nothing at all.{found on ohsoverypretty}.

Although not specifically designed for air plants, these felted wool bowls looks really beautiful. They look really cozy and perfect for the colder months. Use them for cacti, aloe plants or other species. They can be left empty and used for air plants as well.{found on Etsy}.

Similarly, small buckets can be used as containers for air plants or regular plants. You can hang these with rope or cord and you can also paint or decorate them in a lot of interesting ways. For example, cover them with rope or with decorating paper.{found on werefarfromnormal}.

Table air plant stands

Because air plants don’t require soil, you can have a lot of fun displaying them in a stand. You can make this one using a small block of wood, a piece of wire and a drill. Make a hole at the center of the cube. Loop the wire around something cylindrical and then insert the straight end into the hole.

Air plants get their nutrients through leaves, not roots so you can replace the soil with pebbles. The container can be anything you want. It can be something as simple as a glass jar or as interesting as a 3D printed pot. You can decorate it with cute little Lego characters or some other ornaments.{found on brit}.

You can even put them in vases and turn them into table centerpieces. This is a stylish collection of three faceted porcelain containers. One looks similar to a vase while the other two are pods designed specifically for air plants. They’re are handmade and this makes each one unique.{found on Etsy}.

Want something a bit more rustic? This triangle-shaped air plant terrarium should be just right. It can either be displayed flat on a table or on its side. This is an air plant holder designed for indoor use only. The grain of the wood different for each one and so does the color.{found on Etsy}.

You can have a lot of fun with air plants and make your own diverse collection. Use a diverse of containers such as glasses, tea cups, dishes, pods and other things. They can each have a different form, color or size and together they can make a unique display for a mantel or table.

Use air plants for a subtle touch of green on a console table or a desk. You can put a single air plant inside a glass bowl or terrarium. It can have small pebbles at the bottom. Beads, sand and other options can also look stylish and for a touch of color you can also add a small ornament such as a tiny bird.{found on theresplendentcrow}.

Turn a rock into a pot for your air plant. You can keep the plant in place with a little bit of glue. The most difficult part in this case would be selecting a rock. Once you found the perfect one, simply glue your air plant to it. It’s as simple as that. You can use a hot glue gun but wait a while for the glue to slightly cool off.{found on adorablest}.

These cute air plant pots are made from large wooden doll heads dipped in dye. It’s possible to find alternatives. For example, use large wooden beads instead and drill holes in each one making sure you don’t go all the way through. You can then dip them in paint or stain. For a subtle and natural look, try using tea.{found on almostmakesperfect}.

An air plant centerpiece can be a very chic decoration for the dining table. The centerpiece can be made out of a repurposed wooden box. First, sand and paint the box or change its look however else you want. Then put some river rocks inside and, at the end, insert the air plants to make a beautiful composition.{found on aliceandlois}.

Use a terracotta star bowl into a cozy home for your air plants. In case you can find a wooden ball with star-shaped holes like this one, you can improvise and use a bowl or something else. The main idea is to have a container with several small openings so you can put an air plant in each one.{found on joyusgarden}.

You can also make your own clay pots. Mix black and white clay for a marbled effect. Of course, any other two colors would also work just as well. So figure out the color combination you want for your pots and get to work. Combine the two colors and then roll the clay on a flat surface. Trace a circle in it and carve out a hole. Then give the piece any shape you want using an x-acto knife.{found on whydontyoumakeme}.

Given how versatile and low maintenance air plants are, desk stands can also be a solution. These stands are 6” tall and have a cube-shaped wooden base. The plants are held with wire that forms a loop at the top. You can use the stands individually or mix and match them to create a set.{found on Etsy}.

An air plant rock garden would be very easy to make using a small dish and a bunch of river rocks. First, select a dish that you want to use for the project. Clean it and then put some river rocks or pebbles in it. After that, add some decorative things like shells or ornaments and put the air plant in as well.{found on acharmingproject}.

Give your desk a zen look with an air plant display made up of stacked rocks. It’s really easy to make something similar to this particular design. Take a few rocks, preferably flat and of increasingly small dimensions. Stack them freely and place a small air plant on top. You can play with them when you need to relax your mind or when you’re bored.{found on sustainmycrafthabit}.

If you want to make clay pots, you can have a lot of fun designing them. To make pots that look like this, use air dry clay, small pots, a rolling pin, a craft knife and spray varnish. Roll out the clay and then wrap it around the pot. Trim the excess and smooth the edges with some water. Then it’s time to add some texture with using a pen with a round end or your fingers. Apply a coat of clear glaze for a shiny look.{found on burkatron}.

You can either make your air plant pods or buy ready-made ones. These are are small, measuring only 1.5” to 2” in diameter so they’re perfect for air plant pups. They have a nice colorblock design. You can make something similar by taping off a portion of a wooden pod and then painting the other section.{found on Etsy}.

Wall-mounted air plant displays

Air plants do well on the wall and you can simply glue them there without harming them. An interesting idea is to create a gallery wall. Select a bunch of air plants of different types, shapes, sizes and colors. Mark the spots on the wall where you want to place each one and then just them in place.

Of course, wall-mounted air plant hangers can add a touch of style to the space. Making these hangers is so easy it can be done in just a few minutes. Here are the materials needed: square wooden dowels, suede lace, scissors, air plants, wire and wire cutters.

Cut the dowels if necessary and then wrap suede lace around the edges and make two knots. Hang this on the wall and then put an air plant on it.{found on homeyohmy}.

Air plants are perfect for building vertical miniature gardens for the walls. A simple and interesting idea is to use a frame and some mesh wire. Basically you just have to staple the mesh wire to the back of the frame so you can then put air plants through the openings. Paint the frame first to give it a look that matches you home’s existing decor.{found on airplantman}.

Make something special by combining string art and air plants. All these projects share a common these: Valentine’s Day. It’s actually a really quirky idea and a great way of making something special and unique for this occasion. You can personalize each project with your choice of colors and the desired dimensions and shapes.{found on brit}.

A really simple project can be a leather pocket for an air plant. You could also use fabric for this. Each pocket can be made from a scrap piece of leather or fabric. Cut it into a square or a rectangle and then fold one edge over the opposite side to form a triangle.

Punch holes through both edges. Then thread cord through the holes to secure the edges together. Punch a hole at the top so you can hang the pocket.{found on theprudentgarden}.

If you want, you can make magnetic air plant holders and display them on your fridge. You can use plastic Easter eggs for this project. Each container represent one half of an egg. You can paint them and then attach magnets to each one using a dab of glue. Put a tiny air plant in and stick it to the fridge or to a magnetic board.{found on drawntodiy}.

String art and air plants sometimes go hand in hand. Use the technique to make some unique decorations. This project starts with a few simple things such as a wooden board, some colored string, small nails and a hammer.

Outline the desired design on the wooden board and then hammer nails along the lines. After that, start wrapping string starting from a corner. When you’re done, place an air plant or two in the webbing.{found on brit}.

A beautiful frame can also be used to make an air plant decoration. All you need is string and small nails. You can use an old frame from a mirror if you want something bigger and more eye-catching or just a small picture frame.

First, sand and paint or stain it if you want. Then hammer some small nails to the back of the frame and start making a web out of string to hold your air plant.{found on allthegoodgirlsgotoheavenblog}.

Put air plants in tiny clay pots and attach magnets to each one so you can stick them to a board. If you can’t find any tiny clay pots, you can either make your own or use something else. Even wine corks would work. Once you have your tiny containers, glue magnets to each one and put a tiny air plant in.{found on themerrythought}.

Ceramic planters can also be displayed on the wall. You can mount them with screws or nails. Air dry clay, paint, a rolling pin, and X-acto knife and some sandpaper are the main things you’ll need to make these planters. Roll out some clay, trace the desired shape on a piece of paper and use that as a template.

Cut the pieces out of clay and then put them together, smoothing the edges with water. Put something inside to give the pocket the desired form.{found on brit}.

If you like glass globes, they can be hanged on the wall as well.

These ones have a copper hanger and are attached to a wooden panel. The combination of materials is stylish and simple enough to look great in most modern and contemporary interior designs. You can display air plants in this manner on a hallway, above the entryway coat hanger and in lots of other places.{found on etsy}.

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