Do air plants need watering?

All plants require watering and this includes air plants (Tillandsia). All along the leaves of Tillandsia plants are 'trichomes' , tiny little hairs that aid the plant to collect and take in water. In the native habitats of airplants, natural water sources are rainfall, atmospheric moisture, coastal fog etc. Within the home, we want to emulate these conditions as best as possible.  Tillandsia can be watered either by misting or soaking them.  For most species a light misting a couple of times a week or a fortnightly soak is plenty.  More detailed information can be found at our  Air Plant Care page.

Can I use tap water to water my air plants?

Depending upon where you live, tap water can vary between soft and hard water areas and it is important to know about the water you’re using. Tillandsia are generally happy with ‘soft’ water. If you live in a ‘hard’ water area or aren’t sure, it’s better to use either rainwater or bottled water. 

Do I need to feed air plants?

Like most plants, air plants will continue to grow without specific feeding. Like other plants though, if they’re given the right nutrients they do a lot better!  We feed all our Tillandsia at the nursery using our Tillandsia Organic Feed & Conditioner, fortnightly in Summer and monthly in Winter.

What methods of air plant propagation do you use?

Our airplants are either grown from collected seeds, which is a long growing process or from offsets known as pups.  Around the time an air plant flowers it begins to produce baby plants, usually at the base of the plant. These tiny air plants grow attached to the mother plant and can be removed when they have grown a third to half the size of the mother plant. The baby air plants can then be grown on to maturity and treated in the same way as the parent plants. Check out our Blog 'How to care for Airplants - Tips'  for more indepth information. To produce air plant clumps, we leave all the pups attached and with time, patience and care a clump is formed.  

Do air plants flower and are they scented?

Yes, airplants do flower, some air plants flower more easily than others. Tillandsia Ionanatha can flower very easily, some airplants such as Tillandsia Straminea, produce flowers that are scented and some produce flowers that can last for months, for example Tillandsia Xerographica. How many flowers are produced and for how long they last can vary depending upon the species.  

How long will my airplants last in a box?

Plants can last for up to two weeks in a box. Keep them in a cool place (above 8 degrees Centigrade). Water them as soon as you are able. Then just follow our normal care advice.  Alternatively, if you have purchased airplants as a gift item for someone, take your plants out of the box and unwrap them. Water and let dry.  Keep in a cool, bright room. Water once a week. Ensure the surface of the plant is dry before you water again and before you repack.

Will air plants be ok in a vivarium?

These easy going, 'no faff' plants aren't entirely indestructable but other than very basic needs, they’re really easy plants to care for. With minimal effort and care required, total plant novices and first time plant owners can enjoy the amazing world of Tillandsia. With many robust species to choose from they are an ideal plant to choose when looking for low maintenance plants. With their basic light, air and water requirements met, Tillandsia are one of the easiest types of plants to look after. If you are looking for "No soil, no fuss, just style...", Tillandsia are the perfect plants to collect.