Air Plant (Tillandsia species) is a lot of fun to grow as houseplants. They are interesting houseplants that don’t require to be grown in pots- they literally grow in the air! As a result, you can have fun being creative on how you display your Air Plant- hang it on the wall, let it suspend mid-air, or keep it in a dish on your coffee table. You can even display Air Plants on your shower wall! Pink Quill (Tillandsia cyanea) is the only air plant that is grown in pots. Here is a beginner’s guide on how to grow and care for your Air Plant at home.
Air Plant Houseplant Care at a Glance
| Name | Air Plant |
| Scientific Name | Tillandsia species |
| Light | Bright, Filtered Light |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Can Tolerate Dry Indoor Air |
| Potting | For Pink Quill, you will need an organic, orchid potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Spray once a month at half strength during the growing season |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Non-toxic |
Air Plant: Common Names
Air Plant is also called Sky Plant.
Air Plant: Varieties
Tillandsia cyanea is a potted variety of air plants.
Air Plant: Toxic to Pets?
Air Plants are non-toxic to dogs and cats. They are also non-toxic to humans.
Light
Air Plant: Sun or Shade?
Air Plant will do well in bright, filtered light. East or West facing window is best but make sure it’s not getting direct sunlight. You can filter the sun with sheer curtains and sheer blinds.
Water
How Often Should You Water Your Air Plant?
There are 2 ways to water your Air Plant. You can spray your Air Plant with distilled water twice a week (spray the entire plant) or you can submerge your Air Plant in water once every 2 weeks for 2 hours.
How to Water Xeric Tilandsia?
The best way to water your Xeric Tillandsia is to spray it with water twice a week since it is native to more arid conditions. Spray the entire air plant. And then leave your air plant to dry within 4 hours. Best to keep it upside down so water does not drip down and pool at the roots which can result in root rot.
How to Water Mesic Tilandsia?
The best way to water Mesic Tillandsia is by submerging your air plant once every 2 weeks. Submerge your air plant for 2 hours. Then let your Air Plant dry out completely within 4 hours. The best way to dry your Air Plant is to leave it upside down so water does not accumulate at the roots which can cause root rot.
What Type of Water Should You Use When Watering Your Air Plant?
Your Air Plant can’t be watered with tap water. Your Air Plant is too sensitive to the chemicals in the water. Use distilled water or filtered rainwater for your Air Plant. Keep the water temperature comfortable so it’s not too cold and not too hot.
Do You Need to Mist Your Air Plant?
Your Air Plant is a houseplant that can tolerate indoor dry air. It does not need additional misting on top of its regular watering. If you have Xeric Tillandsia variety, it comes from more arid conditions so it does not require a lot of moisture. For Mesic Tillandsia variety, it is native to moderately humid environments so will prefer a little more humidity. But either way, they don’t require additional misting in between watering.
Soil
What Type of Potting Mix is Best for Your Air Plant?
Your Air Plant Pink Quill (Tillandsia cyanea) needs an organic orchid potting mix.
Fertilizer
Do You Need to Fertilize Your Air Plant?
Your Air Plant should be fertilized at half strength once a month during the growing season. You can spray the leaves with diluted fertilizer, just make sure it dries out completely. Don’t overspray.
What Fertilizer Should You Use on Your Air Plant?
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer on your Air Plant.
Propagation
How Do You Propagate Your Air Plant?
Your Air Plant Air Plant Plant is easy to propagate. You can propagate your Air Plant plant by dividing the pups. Below are steps on how to propagate Air Plant Plant by dividing its pups.
1. Separate the pups after the mother plant has died
2. Attach the pups
Position the pups to where you want to attach them to. Gently secure the pups with wire. If there are any roots, you can wrap the roots with a little moist sphagnum moss.
Common Problems of Air Plant Care
The most common problems that affect Air Plant are root rot, brown leaf tips, and mealy bugs.
Air Plant Problem: Fluffy White Growth In Between the Leaves and Stems
Problem: There are fluffy white growths in between the leaves and stems of your Air Plant.
Cause: Mealybugs are causing the fluffy white growth on your Air Plant. It is a common houseplant disease.
Solution: To get rid of mealybugs on your Air Plant, wash your plant with water. You can also use soapy water. Spraying rubbing alcohol on affected areas can also get rid of mealybugs. Horticultural oil and insecticidal soap are also effective in getting rid of mealybugs. Just make sure to air dry your Air Plant completely to avoid root rot.
Check out our article on how to make your own homemade pesticides using baby shampoo: How to Make Horticultural Oil and How to Make Insecticidal Soap
Air Plant Problem: Looks Wilted (Soil is Wet)
Problem: Your Air Plant looks wilted. Check for root rot by examining the roots (if any). If the roots of your Air Plant plant look mushy (healthy roots are firm) and the roots are gray to black in color, these are telltale signs of root rot.
Cause: Root rot is caused by fungus and is a serious problem for your Air Plant. Root rot is a result of not letting your Air Plant air dry immediately.
Solution: When your Air Plant is afflicted with root rot the chance of survival is slim. Your best course of action is to throw your Air Plant out and start over with a new plant. This time make sure to let your Air Plant air dry. Air dry your Air Plant upside down so water does not accumulate on the roots.
Air Plant Problem: Tip of Leaves of Your Air Plant Turning Brown
Problem: The tips of the leaves of your Air Plant plant are turning brown.
Cause: When the tips of the leaves of your Air Plant turn brown that is a result of not enough water or humidity. The tips of the leaves are turning brown because they are dying.
Solution: Water your Air Plant and increase humidity by watering your Air Plant. Just make sure to let your Air Plant completely air dry so it does not suffer from root rot.
You May Also Be Interested In:
How to Take Care of Haworthia (infograph)