Air plants are some of the easiest plants to care for—but that doesn’t mean you can neglect them! These little guys still need to be watered regularly in order to stay healthy and happy. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to water air plants so that they thrive for years to come.
What Are Air Plants?
Air plants, or Tillandsias, belong to the Bromeliad family. They are unique plants that don’t require soil to grow. They get the majority of their nutrients and moisture from the air around them and can actually be grown without any soil at all.
Because of this, they are very easy to care for and make great houseplants. However, it’s important to make sure that your air plant gets enough water.
Soaking Air Plants
There are a few different ways that you can water your air plants. The most common method is to simply soak the plant in a bowl of water for at least 20 minutes, once every week or so.
- To properly soak your air plant, you will need to fill a bowl with room temperature water and submerge the plant for 20 to 60 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the plant from the water and allow it to drain upside down on a paper towel or coffee filter.
- Once the plant has dried off, you can place it back in its pot or holder.
Soaking your air plants on a regular basis is important to their health, as it allows them to absorb the moisture they need. Be sure to follow these steps carefully in order to ensure that your plants stay healthy.
How Often to Water Air Plants
How often you need to water your air plants depends on a few different factors, such as the climate you live in and how much humidity is in your home. In general, most air plants need to be watered about once a week.
However, if you live in a humid climate or your home is very moist, you may only need to water your air plants every two weeks or even less. On the other hand, if you live in a dry climate or your home is very dry, you may need to water an air plant more often, about every five days.
Another factor that will affect how often you need to water your air plants is the type of Tillandsia you have. There are over 600 different species of Tillandsias, and they can vary widely in their watering needs.
Some Tillandsias, such as the Xerographica, can go weeks or even months without being watered. Other Tillandsias, such as the Funckiana, need to be watered more frequently.
If you’re not sure how often to water an air plant, it’s always best to err on the side of too much rather than too little. When in doubt, water your air plants about once a week and see how they do. You can always adjust the air plant watering schedule as needed.
Best Water for Air Plants
Air plants are a type of plant that doesn’t require soil to grow. They get the majority of their nutrients from the air and water around them. Because of this, it’s important to choose the right water for your air plants.
The best water for air plants is pure, fresh water. This can be tap water that has been left out overnight to allow the chemicals to evaporate, or spring water.
If you live in an area with hard water, it’s best to use rainwater for your air plants. However, avoid using distilled water as this can strip the air plants of the nutrients they need to thrive.
How to Mist Air Plants
Misting air plants is only a supplemental way to water them—they should still be soaked in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes once a week. This will ensure that they are getting enough water to stay healthy and thrive.
However, misting might be the only way to water air plants that are glued to a support or fixed in a terrarium. They need to be misted at least once a week, and more often if they’re in a drier environment.
To mist your air plant, simply spray it with water until the leaves are evenly moistened. Be sure to mist all around the plant, including the underside of the leaves.
However, don’t over-water your air plant, as this can cause it to rot. Air plants are very tough and can bounce back from drought conditions, but will not survive if they are constantly wet or soggy.
If you live in a humid environment, you may not need to mist your air plant as often. However, if you notice the leaves starting to curl or turn brown, misting more frequently will help revive your plant.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about watering air plants. By following these simple tips, your plants will be lush and green—and they’ll make your home or office look great too. Have fun incorporating air plants into your décor, and remember to water them regularly for the best results. Thanks for reading!
FAQ
Do air plants need water?
Yes, air plants need water. However, they don’t need as much water as other plants. You should water your air plant once a week, and mist it every few days.
How often do air plants need to be watered?
This is probably the most common question we get asked about air plants. The answer, like most things in life, is it depends. Your watering schedule will be determined by a few factors: the type of your air plant, and the humidity and temperature of your home.
In general, you need to water your air plants once a week, and mist them every few days.
Should air plants be soaked or misted?
It’s a good idea to soak your air plants in water for about 20 minutes once a week. You can also mist them lightly every day or two. Be sure to allow the plants to dry out before misting or soaking them again.
Can air plants be watered with tap water?
The answer is yes, but it’s not recommended. Tap water contains chemicals that can build up on the leaves of your air plants and eventually kill them. If you must use tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours before watering your air plants to give the chemicals time to dissipate.
Is misting enough for air plants?
The simple answer is no. While air plants do enjoy a good misting now and again, they really need to be soaked in water for about 20-30 minutes, once a week or so. This allows them to absorb the moisture they need through their leaves.
If you live in a particularly dry climate, you may need to soak your air plants more often. You can find all you need to know about soaking in our quick guide on how to water air plants above!
