How to Care for Air Plants (Easy Tips for Growing & Displaying Tillandsia)

Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are popular for their unique appearance and soil-free growing habit.

While they may look low-maintenance, they have specific care needs that are often overlooked. If not watered properly or displayed in the right environment, these plants can quickly decline.

In this article, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your air plants healthy.

You'll learn how to water them correctly, what kind of light and air they need, the best ways to display them, how to fertilize using natural options, and how to handle common pests.

Whether you grow them indoors, in terrariums, or outdoors during warm months, this guide will help you create the right conditions for air plants to thrive.

Air Plant Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Genus	Tillandsia
Common Name	Air Plant
Growth Habit	Epiphyte (grows without soil)
Ideal Light	Bright, indirect light; some tolerate early direct sun
Watering Needs	Varies by type and climate; soak or mist regularly
Air Circulation	Essential; prevents rot and supports nutrient uptake
Size Range	2 to 12 inches on average; some species grow larger
Flower Colors	Purple, Pink, Red, Yellow, White
Foliage Colors	Green, Silver, Gray, Burgundy
Maintenance Level	Low if conditions are right
Special Traits	Drought-tolerant, pet-safe, no soil needed

Understanding Air Plants: What They Are and How They Grow

Air plants are unlike most other houseplants because they don’t grow in soil. Instead, they use their leaves to take in moisture and nutrients from the air around them.

This makes them ideal for creative displays and places where traditional potted plants wouldn’t thrive. Because of this unique growing style, it’s important to understand how they function so you can give them the right care.

How Air Plants Absorb Water and Nutrients

They belong to the Tillandsia genus, which is part of the bromeliad family. You’ll often find them growing naturally on tree branches, rocks, and other surfaces in tropical and subtropical regions.

These plants anchor themselves with small roots, but they don’t rely on those roots to gather nutrients or water.

That job is handled entirely by the leaves, which are covered in tiny structures called trichomes. These trichomes help absorb moisture from the air and also offer protection from sun and wind.

The Two Main Types of Air Plants

There are two main types of air plants: mesic and xeric. Mesic types usually have smoother, greener leaves and come from more humid environments.

They need more regular watering and do better in indirect light. Xeric types tend to have fuzzier, grayish leaves with a thick covering of trichomes.

They come from drier, sunnier regions and can tolerate more direct light and less frequent watering. Knowing which type you have makes a big difference in how you should care for it.

What Air Plants Need to Stay Healthy

Even though air plants are considered low-maintenance, they still need attention. Without proper air circulation, water, and light, they won’t survive for long.

Since they’re often displayed in open containers, on wood, or even hanging freely, it’s up to you to make sure their basic needs are met.

Understanding how they live and grow is the first step toward keeping them healthy in your home or garden.

How to Water Air Plants the Right Way

Watering is one of the most important parts of air plant care. While they don’t grow in soil, air plants still need consistent moisture to survive.

The way you water them depends on several factors, including the type of air plant you have, your climate, and how the plant is displayed.

How Often to Water Air Plants

There’s no single schedule that fits all air plants. In general, most varieties benefit from a deep soak every 7 to 10 days, but this changes depending on where you live and the specific plant type.

If you're in a humid climate, especially areas like the Southeast U.S. or Florida, outdoor air plants might get all the moisture they need from rain and natural humidity.

In contrast, if you're in a dry or heated indoor environment, soaking once a week may not be enough.

In these conditions, a light misting every other day, in addition to weekly soaking, can help maintain adequate hydration.

Smooth-leaved air plants, which have fewer visible trichomes, tend to come from more humid environments and need more frequent watering.

These may need soaking every five to seven days. Xeric types, with fuzzy or silver-toned leaves, store water better and usually need less frequent attention.

The Best Time and Method for Watering

Morning is the best time to water your air plants. That’s because these plants absorb carbon dioxide at night, and if they’re wet during this period, it affects their ability to breathe.

Watering in the morning ensures they’ll dry out fully during the day, which is crucial to prevent rot.

The preferred method is to soak the plants in a bowl of room-temperature water for about 20 to 30 minutes.

After soaking, gently shake off any excess water and turn the plant upside down to dry. This prevents water from pooling in the center of the plant, especially in the crown, where it can lead to rot.

The drying process should be complete within a few hours, so good air circulation is a must.

If your air plant is mounted or placed inside a container like a shell or cup, be sure to remove it from the display to soak it and drain any water completely before placing it back.

What to Do If You're Traveling

If you're going away for a few days and need someone else to look after your air plants, giving them a soaking routine might not be practical.

In that case, a light misting once per day is a simple way for someone to help keep them from drying out. While not a substitute for soaking, it’s better than no moisture at all and will help your plants manage until you return.

Choosing the Best Water Sources for Air Plants

The quality of water you use on your air plants can make a big difference in their health. Not all water is the same, and some types can even harm your plants over time. Air plants absorb everything through their leaves, including any chemicals present in your water.

Rainwater: The Ideal Option

Whenever possible, rainwater is the best choice. It’s naturally soft, free of harmful additives, and contains trace minerals that are beneficial to air plants.

Collecting rainwater is also cost-free and sustainable, which makes it a smart long-term solution if you grow several plants.

Using Tap Water Safely

If you rely on tap water, it’s important to let it sit out for at least 24 hours before using it on your air plants.

This allows chlorine and chloramine, which are commonly added to municipal water supplies, to evaporate.

These chemicals can build up on the leaves over time and damage the plant’s ability to absorb moisture. Tap water should always be used at room temperature and never straight from the faucet.

Natural Sources Like Aquarium or Pond Water

Aquarium and pond water can also be excellent for air plants, especially if you're looking for a mild, natural source of nutrients.

These types of water contain trace amounts of organic matter from fish waste, which can feed your plants gently without the risk of chemical burn.

However, you should avoid using water from a tank that’s been softened, as softened water contains salts that can be harmful to air plants over time.

What to Avoid

Never leave your air plants in standing water. If they are displayed in something that holds water, like a shell or a deep container, always remove and fully drain them after watering.

Air plants are highly sensitive to rot, and even a small amount of water trapped in a tight space can cause the entire plant to deteriorate. Also avoid distilled water, which lacks the minerals air plants benefit from.

Fertilizing Air Plants Naturally and Safely

Fertilizing air plants isn't required for survival, but it can encourage better growth and blooming, especially during the active growing months.

Since these plants take in nutrients directly through their leaves, the type of fertilizer you use — and how often you use it — matters more than with soil-based plants.

When and Why to Fertilize Air Plants

Air plants benefit from fertilization during their growing season, which usually runs through spring and summer.

This is the period when they’re actively developing new leaves and may begin to produce flowers or pups.

Fertilizing once a month during this time is enough to support healthy growth. When temperatures begin to cool and light levels drop in fall and winter, most air plants slow down.

During this dormant phase, fertilizing isn’t necessary unless your plant is still actively growing. In that case, a one-time feeding with a diluted fertilizer can help maintain strength without overstimulating the plant.

Fertilizing helps provide nutrients that may not be available from your water source alone. It can also support better flowering and quicker pup production in mature plants.

Natural Fertilizer Options

If you’re looking for natural ways to feed your air plants, rainwater and aquarium water are both excellent choices.

Rainwater contains trace minerals that promote plant health, while aquarium water includes nutrients from fish waste that can help your plants thrive. These options are gentle and safe, especially when used as part of a regular watering routine.

Using Commercial Fertilizers Safely

If you choose to use a store-bought fertilizer, always go with one formulated for air plants or bromeliads.

These are designed to be low in elements that can harm epiphytic plants. Ingredients like copper, zinc, and boron can be toxic, especially when used too frequently or in high concentrations.

Avoid general-purpose fertilizers unless they are well-diluted and clearly labeled as safe for air plants.

Apply any fertilizer at half or quarter strength by mixing it with water during one of your regular soakings.

Over-fertilizing won’t make the plant grow faster — it can actually burn the leaves and slow development. Keep it light, consistent, and avoid feeding when the plant is stressed or recovering from rot or pest issues.

Best Ways to Display and Mount Air Plants Indoors

How you display your air plants has a direct impact on how well they grow. Because these plants rely on air circulation and water absorption through their leaves, the materials and setup you use matter just as much as aesthetics.

The goal is to create a space that looks good and also keeps your plants healthy.

Creative and Practical Display Ideas

Air plants are versatile and can be mounted or placed on a variety of surfaces. You can attach them to natural elements like driftwood, tree branches, or virgin cork bark.

Bricks, rocks, and shells are also good options, especially if you want something that fits well into a natural or rustic indoor setup.

You can hang air plants in glass planters, wire holders, or macrame hangers, as long as there’s plenty of airflow around them. Bathrooms and kitchens often make great display areas due to higher humidity levels.

If you want to place air plants inside glass terrariums, make sure the container isn’t fully closed.

While these setups can look beautiful, stagnant air and trapped moisture can quickly cause problems. Ventilation is key.

Mounting Materials to Use and Avoid

When mounting air plants, it’s important to avoid toxic or damaging materials.

Copper and pressure-treated wood should not be used, as both contain compounds that are harmful to air plants.

Moss should also be avoided — it retains too much moisture and can cause rot when in contact with the plant for long periods.

Safe materials include waterproof glue like E-6000, fishing line, and floral wire. If using hot glue, let it cool for a few seconds before applying it to the plant.

Nails and staples can be used with tougher, woody parts of the plant, but never pierce the fleshy areas.

If you want a non-permanent option, gently tying the plant with natural twine is a good solution, especially while the roots establish.

Keeping Health in Mind While Decorating

Always think about air circulation and drying when choosing a display location. Try to avoid placing air plants in dark corners or sealed containers.

Good light, fresh air, and an easy way to remove them for watering should always guide your display choices. You’re not just decorating — you’re creating a space where the plant can thrive.

How to Create the Right Environment for Air Plants

Air plants are more adaptable than many houseplants, but they still have certain environmental preferences that make a big difference in their health.

Matching their natural conditions as closely as possible will help them stay strong, resist rot, and grow steadily. The key elements to consider are light, air circulation, humidity, and temperature.

Understanding the Needs of Mesic and Xeric Types

Different types of air plants thrive in different conditions. Mesic types, which are smoother and greener, come from moist tropical areas.

They do well in bright, filtered light and prefer consistent moisture. These are better suited for indoor spots like a bathroom windowsill or a shelf near a bright but shaded window.

Xeric air plants, on the other hand, have a fuzzier, more silver-toned appearance. These types are native to dry, sunny climates and have thicker layers of trichomes that help them retain water.

They can tolerate stronger light, including some direct morning sun, and they don’t need to be watered as often.

Matching the environment to the plant’s natural type makes it easier to avoid common issues like overwatering or leaf burn.

Placing Air Plants Indoors

Inside your home, bright indirect light is ideal. South- or east-facing windows tend to provide the right amount of brightness without harsh afternoon sun.

If you’re placing plants in glass terrariums or enclosed displays, make sure the containers are well-ventilated.

Air plants need steady airflow to stay dry between waterings, and trapped moisture is one of the most common causes of rot.

Kitchens and bathrooms can be great spots because they tend to have higher humidity, especially if you shower often or cook frequently. Just be sure the space also gets good natural light, or supplement with grow lights if needed.

Moving Air Plants Outdoors During Warm Months

If you live in a cooler climate like the UK or the northern U.S., you can move your air plants outdoors during the warmer months.

Wait until all danger of frost has passed (usually by mid-May) and choose a bright but protected area, such as under a tree or patio roof.

The plants should be shaded from intense afternoon sun, especially while adjusting to the outdoor conditions. Acclimating them gradually over a few days helps prevent stress.

When temperatures start dropping in early autumn, bring them back indoors.

Most air plants begin to struggle below 12°C (54°F), especially if there's wind or damp weather. Indoors, they’ll need extra light and care until spring returns.

Watch for Outdoor Pests

If you're growing air plants outside, keep an eye out for common pests like slugs and snails. These can be a problem in damp or shaded garden areas and may chew on leaves overnight.

Elevating your air plants or placing them in hanging displays can help reduce the risk.

How to Multiply Your Air Plants

Air plants reproduce naturally through pups, which are small clones that grow at the base of the mother plant.

With the right care, you can grow these into mature plants or leave them attached to form clumps that make striking displays. Propagating air plants at home is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment.

When and How to Separate Pups

Pups usually appear once the plant has matured and is nearing the end of its flowering phase.

To ensure they’re ready to grow on their own, wait until each pup is about one-third to one-half the size of the parent plant. Trying to remove them too early can result in damage or poor growth.

When you’re ready to separate a pup, gently hold the base of the mother plant with one hand and twist the pup with the other.

If it comes off easily, it's ready. If it resists, use a clean, sharp knife or disinfected scissors to cut downward as close to the base as possible.

Always be careful not to damage surrounding leaves or the center of the parent plant.

Caring for New Air Plants After Separation

Once separated, treat the pup like a mature air plant. Place it in bright, indirect light and water it consistently, being sure it dries thoroughly after each watering.

Young plants are more sensitive to overwatering and poor airflow, so make sure the conditions are ideal. There's no need to mount or display the pup immediately. You can let it rest on a surface until it gets larger or roots begin to form.

Clumping for a Decorative Look

If you prefer, you can let the pups stay attached to the mother plant. Over time, this will form a clump or ball of plants that makes a full, decorative arrangement.

As the original plant begins to age and die off, gently remove any completely dried leaves by pulling them sideways. If a leaf resists, trim off only the dried part to avoid damaging healthy tissue.

What About Seeds?

Air plants can produce seeds after blooming, but growing from seed is extremely slow and not practical for most home growers.

It can take several years for seedlings to mature into full-sized plants. Because of this, propagation through pups is by far the most common and reliable method for multiplying your air plant collection.

Managing Common Air Plant Pests Naturally

Air plants are generally resistant to pests, especially when kept indoors with proper care. However, they’re not completely immune.

Pests can occasionally show up, especially if plants are moved outdoors or kept in overly damp conditions.

Knowing how to handle these issues early using gentle, natural methods can help you avoid serious damage.

What to Watch For

The most common pests that affect air plants are mealybugs and scale insects. Both feed on plant sap and can weaken the plant over time.

Mealybugs appear as small, cotton-like clusters in the folds of leaves, while scale insects look like small brown or black bumps along the stems or undersides of the leaves.

These pests often hide in tight spaces where they’re hard to spot at first.

If you keep your air plants outside during warm months, you may also have to watch for slugs and snails, especially in moist, shady garden areas. These pests chew on leaves and can cause visible holes or ragged edges.

Gentle Removal Methods

Start by isolating any infested plants to prevent the pests from spreading. For small infestations, manually removing pests is often enough.

You can use your fingers or a damp cotton swab to wipe insects off the leaves. Be thorough, especially near the crown and base of the plant where pests often hide.

If manual cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, a natural soap solution can be used. Mix a couple of drops of mild, unscented dish soap with water in a spray bottle and lightly spray the affected areas.

Allow the plant to dry thoroughly afterward. Always test a small area first to make sure the solution doesn’t cause any leaf damage.

Avoiding Harsh Products

Neem oil is commonly used on other plants, but it should not be used on air plants. It creates a coating on the leaves that interferes with the plant’s ability to absorb moisture and nutrients through the trichomes.

In some cases, it can lead to rot or suffocation. For the same reason, avoid using chemical insecticides or any oil-based treatments unless they're specifically labeled as safe for bromeliads or epiphytes.

Encouraging Natural Predators Outdoors

If the weather allows and you have outdoor space, you can place infested plants outside in a protected area where natural predators like birds or ladybirds may help reduce the pest population.

Just make sure conditions are suitable and the plants are brought back indoors before temperatures drop.

Provide proper care to help your air plants thrive.

Caring for air plants may seem simple at first, but doing it well requires a good understanding of how they grow and what they need.

From choosing the right water source to displaying them in a way that allows for proper air flow and drying, every detail plays a part in keeping your plants healthy.

Once you get familiar with the needs of mesic and xeric types, you’ll be able to adjust your routine based on your environment and the specific varieties you’re growing.

With the right care, air plants can thrive for years, produce colorful blooms, and even multiply through pups.

Their versatility and low-maintenance nature make them a great option for both beginners and experienced plant keepers, especially when they're given the right conditions.

Whether you’re growing a single plant in a kitchen window or building a whole display on driftwood, consistent care and close attention to their needs will go a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if my air plant is getting enough water?

If your air plant is getting the right amount of water, its leaves should look full, flexible, and slightly firm to the touch. When underwatered, the leaves may start to curl inward or feel dry and brittle. You might also notice the tips browning or shriveling. On the other hand, if the plant stays wet for too long and starts to rot, the base may become soft or mushy, and the leaves might begin falling off from the center.

2. Can I grow air plants in a room with no windows?

Air plants need bright, indirect light to grow well, so a room without windows isn’t ideal. If you want to keep them in a darker space, you’ll need to use a grow light to provide enough brightness. Full-spectrum fluorescent or LED lights work well. Keep the light on for about 12 hours a day to mimic natural daylight conditions.

3. What should I do if my air plant is turning brown or soft?

If your air plant is turning brown and dry, it may be underwatered or exposed to too much direct sunlight. Try increasing humidity or watering more frequently. If it’s soft and starting to fall apart at the base, it’s likely overwatered and may be rotting. In that case, remove any mushy parts and let the plant dry completely. Improve air circulation and reduce soaking time moving forward.

4. How long do air plants live?

Most air plants live for several years with proper care. After they bloom — which only happens once in their life — they eventually begin to decline, but not before producing pups that can grow into new plants. With regular propagation, you can keep a healthy air plant collection going for many years.

5. Do air plants need fertilizer to survive?

Fertilizer isn’t required for air plants to survive, but it can support healthier growth and encourage blooming or pup production. Natural options like rainwater or aquarium water offer gentle nutrients, and a diluted air plant-specific fertilizer can be used monthly during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter unless there’s clear active growth.