You might say, These are just tiny slit-like pores on their leaves and stems. They are. This means that it doesn't need soil, but, instead, obtains water and nutrients from the air. Air plants may flower, but they bloom just once in their lifetime and then die. On the other hand, a thriving air plant will sprout off smaller buds at the base as a way to reproduce. Starting them from seed takes several years to maturity. They spread like dandelions: carried by the wind. Today I’ll tell you everything I learned about this growth process, and how Air Plants thrive without soil. There are specific formulas for bromeliads or ephiphytes that are mixed into the water before you soak the plant. Just before an air plant blooms, it will reproduce by sending out pups from its base. The growth rate of an air plant will also depend on if the plant is an offset from propagation or a seedling grown from tillandsia seed. Air plants absorb water and nutrients through their leaves and commonly grow on other plants or on rock surfaces. As they mature, they will split off into their own pups, filling in any odd spaces left by the original plant. Smaller Air Plants that don’t have their “pups” removed will form what’s known as a, These clumps can grow quite large, even though they comprised of tiny Air Plants!Â. These trichomes are often mistaken for a fungus, but I assure you, they are vital to the life of your Air Plant. For proper growth to occur, and plant life to be maintained, Air Plants require much indirect light! Use Bromeliad fertilizer (17-8-22) twice a month. They just collect and process their nutrients and water in a slightly different way. if Bromeliad fertilizer is not available. In truth, all tillandsia are naturally epiphytic air plants that grow by clinging to trees and extracting excess moisture from the air. Well here they are :) Some are growing well and others seem to be standing still. It is what makes the Air Plant grow, and provides the benefit of clean oxygen to the Air Plant’s environment. Those same, that collect water also collect the food Air Plants need to flourish. These are the most common ways to keep an air plant. The higher the temperature, the more often your air plants will need water.Air plants need more than is readily available in the air. Despite the meticulous effort, the results are worth it. I found this amazing indoor plant light right on Amazon! In nature air plants use roots to latch onto branches to draw nutrition from hosts. They seem to defy everything we were taught about how plants grow! Unlike soil-dependant plants, Air Plants keep those pores closed during the day for water conservation, and open them at night, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. When this process is inhibited by lack of light, Air Plants cannot utilize the food and water they receive, and the plant will die. Air plants are epiphytic, meaning they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, while the roots are used primarily to provide support for the plant. Most literature says that ZZ plants grow slowly, but this is not my experience! is an excellent environment for Air Plants. After the flower has died back, the plant will start to die. My name is Lisa, and I’m on a mission to expand my plant knowledge. Too little or too much fertilization are equally harmful. For more tips on caring for air plants, check out our in-depth guide. You should be okay to put some moss on there as well, but I would make sure that you are able to water your moss a bit more while keeping your air plant from getting too wet, meaning to give a little space between the two so you don’t overwater the Tillandsia. They are slow growing. Growing xerographica houseplants is relatively simple. You may be surprised to learn that Air Plants grow through photosynthesis, EXACTLY like other plants! It’s common to see a year come and go without noticing a change in their size whatsoever. While we’re talking about reproducing plants, we should take a closer look on how air plants grow and what you can expect through the Tillandsia growth cycle. Outdoor Air Plants will generally receive all the nourishment they need from the atmosphere. Because new plants are constantly being budded, your air plant can effectively live forever as long as you leave the smaller plants in place and let them continue to grow. Yes, Air Plants ABSOLUTELY eat food! As we learned, Air Plants open their pores in the dark to allow for the process of photosynthesis to occur. So, just how do Air Plants grow? Once the air plant reaches about an inch in length the growth rate increases. Get creative, express yourself! You’ll want a fertilizer formulated especially for Tillandsia (Link to Amazon) or Bromeliads. It is what makes the Air Plant grow, and provides the benefit of clean oxygen to the Air Plant’s environment. I think this is the ‘Houston’?? Light Is Food for a Plant. If you see wilting or their leaves become brittle, this is your sign they’ll need to be watered more often. If you use artificial lighting, allow your Air Plants to be in darkness for no less than six hours daily. Growing Air Plants: Tips at a Glance. It was displayed near the cash register in the supermart, stuck on a magnet. Air plants are amazing, aren’t they? Insufficient lighting will cause Air Plants to die. Follow the link if you want to score your own. Your indoor Air Plants will thrive on 10-12 hours of lighting, but it is safe to leave the light on for up to 18 hours. Fertilizer isn’t strictly necessary but it can make your air plant grow faster though probably not much bigger. There are over 600 varieties of Air Plants, and so the answer to this question is as different as each variety. Look on the bright side. A little trial and error are all you risk. These spidery-looking plants anchor to branches or rocks with their roots but absorb all of their moisture directly through their leaves. So even if your slow-growing air plant seems as unchanging as a pet rock, there is a lot going on. They will not work as traditional roots and trying to pot a Tillandsia will soon kill it. I'm glad you're here. How Fast do Air Plants Grow? How to Grow Tillandsia . The pink quill air plant is named for its distinct bright pink feather-like bloom. It’s common to see a year come and go without noticing a change in their size whatsoever. Smaller Air Plants that don’t have their “pups” removed will form what’s known as a “clump”. I have been given a piece of drift wood from a shore line. It may not sound like a tasty lunch for us, but for Air Plants, it’s a delicious menu! The proper way to water an air plant is to actually submerge the entire plant in water and leave it overnight (about 8 hours). Other fertilizers may contain Zinc, Copper, or Boron, all of which are. Type Tropical epiphyte Lifespan Perennial USDA Zones 10-11 Light Filtered or full sun Water Submerge and spray Where to Plant Terrariums Absolutely! I admit it, I’m hooked! As they mature, they will blossom then die off, making way for their pups to take their place and repeat the process over and over again. Those are just some scientific names for Air Plants. A little fertilizer wouldn’t hurt your Tillandsia either. Some plants such as the xerographica, harissi, and capitata are pretty slow growers, but can grow to be quite large. This can also be referred to as a “cluster”. that eat, drink, grow, reproduce, and die. Those same Trichomes that collect water also collect the food Air Plants need to flourish. Too little or too much fertilization are equally harmful. Should I have soaked it in clean water first to rid any potential salt in the wood, or will it be ok to position the plant on straight away? The leaves tend to grow straight up into the air, and while it does not flower often, it may produce a fast-growing stalk of small, white, bunches of sweet-smelling flowers. Let’s talk about 3 ways air affects air plants: temperature, humidity, and air circulation. Air plants, aka tillandsias, are perfect for craft projects, small-space living, and finally giving brown-thumb gardeners some bragging rights. It is dry but I have put it on a radiator over night to thoroughly dry out. Bright filtered or indirect light is ideal for indoor air plants. Tillandsia, also known as "air plant," is an epiphyte. But not into soil. You’re so much more scientific than you may have thought! For the ones you see on the market most often, it probably won’t grow all that high. The problem is that people think that a simple misting with a spray bottle is going to be enough. DON’T FORGET! Type above and press Enter to search. After the first few years they start to get growing a little faster as they get larger sized. Decorating with Air Plants. They will continue to grow even after the mother plant has died. Small, medium or large, these beauties all look great! Learn how to care for your air plant, tips, and more! But not into soil. This is where you will see an increase in size. You do need to make sure there is no puddles of water left in the center of the plant where the leaves are clustered the tightest. In this article, we will take a closer look at the dynamics of Air Plants. These clumps can grow quite large, even though they comprised of tiny Air Plants! During extreme heat, your Air Plants will need to be watered more often, just like you! Get new air plants by harvesting their pups, the name for baby air plants. While there are variations in species, in general, air plants grow very slowly. Not only can you produce a beautiful display, but you can also play around and add some succulents. How to Grow Xerographica Plants Indoors. How to grow air plants in terracotta pipes. A  terrarium is an excellent environment for Air Plants. Additionally,  you’ll find out how BIG and how FAST Air Plants grow. That makes air plants a great choice for places in your home that aren’t windowsills. Another thing that makes the pink quill plant unique is that it can grow in soil and does just as well being grown in either soil or in the air. Take a close look at their leaves. I absolutely love the way they look! Rest assured, they are more similar to other plants than you may think! ~Jackie H, Owner & Air Plant Enthusiast, “This site is owned and operated by AirPlantCentral.com and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. How to Care for Air Plants. for Air Plants. We offer our specially tested air plant fertilizer right on our website. Every two to three weeks, fill a container with water and soak your air plants for 30 minutes. Air Plants are slow growers! Great information. The Practical Planter is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Different species have various colors of thin leaves, and they will have short-lived flowers if the conditions are just right. I hope you’ll visit “Air Plant Central” often… we’ve only just begun discovering the world of Air Plants! Some direct sun …  This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.”, I do believe it was 1970-something when I first saw an Air Plant. I would definitely soak the driftwood in some clean water for a bit and dry it out again. Finally, you’ll need to fertilize your air plants. You’ll want to bring your Air Plants indoors if it gets too cold. Without messy soil to deal with and without even needing a container, Air Plants are super easy to […]. I just love learning new things, don’t you? In this article, we will take a closer look at the dynamics of Air Plants. 18 Popular Types of Air Plants. This huge genusthe largest in the bromeliad familyis sometimes divided into the grey-leaved air plants and green-leaved terrestrial plants. The roots are meant to be anchors on a dry surface, like a piece of wood or tucked in between loose rocks. I have just bought a Tillandsia plant which has a flower bud (which has not yet opened) in the centre of 6inch thin spiky leaves, the garden centre could not tell me much about it?! Seedlings will grow much slower, with the first two years or so of life under 1 inch in size. Indoor grow lights can be as simple as a single bulb that fits in a regular lamp, or as complicated as a multi-shelving system, complete with a  “mister” (also very beneficial). The Practical Planter also participates in programs from ShareASale and other sites and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Tillandsia is native to areas of extremely high humidity, which is why they have evolved to take in moisture directly from the air. Circulation – air plants often attach themselves high in trees, so it stands to reason that they need some air circulating around them. When the wind blows, their food floats right by for them to grab. ?” Rest assured, they are more similar to other plants than you may think! Once per season is sufficient for fertilizing your Air Plants. I’ll share what I learn as I develop my green thumb. Thanks for any help Happy planting! Temperature directly affects how often air plants need water. Once per season is sufficient for fertilizing your Air Plants. I have some moss off one of my garden trees to place o the wood – is that ok?? It’s not an easy question to answer because there are many dozen different varieties of Tillandsia and they can range from an inch or two in height to several feet. Step 1 Instead of being hydrated via their roots, Air Plants have special. Try to use distilled or bottled water rather than tap water, especially if you know you have hard water. Moss tends to like things a little more moist than air plants. I've combined extensive research with my own experiences to offer you the most comprehensive information available in an easy-to-follow format. You’ve gotten yourself a few no-hassle air plants, and now you’re curious about how fast they grow. You simply can’t go wrong. They just collect and process their nutrients and water in a slightly different way. They grow in air rather than in soil, and they absorb water through small scales on the surface of the air plant’s leaves. Commonly known as air plant, tillandsia is a genus with over 450 species. You can’t expect to … They like bright but indirect light. Since they need more than just air to survive, you will notice generally all species of air plants grow slowly. Toward the higher end is better, but Air Plants aren’t in danger until the temperature of out of that range. Let's Get Growing! Additionally,  you’ll find out. These trichomes are often mistaken for a fungus, but I assure you, they are vital to the life of your Air Plant. Bits of decaying plants are “grabbed” from the atmosphere by the. Not sure if your air plants need a drink? If there’s a lot of salt on it, it could damage your Tillandsia, and the Houston is a beautiful one! Before we get to look at how different air plants can grow big, I want you to understand first how to take care of any tillandsia plant once you buy them either online or in a nursery. To learn everything about watering Air Plants,  you’ll want to check out my complete guide “Watering Air plants”! To water, mist your plant so that it’s completely saturated with water. We all learned by the fifth grade that plants in soil draw water up through their roots and circulate that water throughout the plant. Please enjoy these photos which illustrate the range in size of Air Plants…. The 'IAQ' Fast Facts • Air plants grow by attaching to trees. Add life to your home with Air Plants! I just love learning new things, don’t you? However, most indoor environments do not have decaying plant matter or insect particles on the menu. Air plants get nutrition by absorbing water through their leaves. To get a better idea of what air plants look like and their unique features, browse through 18 popular types of air plants below. In extreme heat, they must be protected from the sun. Although Air Plants DO have roots, their roots are more about physical support and attachment than providing an avenue for water to enter their inward parts. is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. Air plants can’t live on air alone. You can either leave the little “pups” in place to continue growing along with the mother plant, or gently pull them apart to create separate new air plants. There are about 500 different species of tillandsia; the best known is the Spanish moss that gracefully drapes from oak trees throughout the American South. Air plants require minimal care and are highly adaptable, and although they do grow roots, they do so to anchor themselves to a particular location, such as branches. They are very popular as bathroom plants due to lower light levels and higher humidity. Get creative, express yourself! Originally from northern Mexico, some parts of the USA and through South America, these plants are becoming quite a houseplant trend. Hi! Caring for Air Plants Place your air plants in any area with indirect light. Other water-soluble fertilizers can be used at 1/4 strength (Rapid Grow, Miracle-Grow, etc.) Welcome! as well as minute insect matter. In addition to Trichomes, Air Plants also have Stoma (or Stomata).  Instead, we’ll dig into accurate information and even a little science! This is known as Photosynthesis. In a small enclosed terrarium which is turning into a struggle to get them out to soak. Small terrarium globes are popular, as are bare pieces of driftwood where the plant is mounted. How to propagate ZZ plant; Do ZZ Plants Grow Fast? Most likely, the first time you marveled at one, you had the exact same question I did! Yes, Air Plants ABSOLUTELY eat food! They are real plants that eat, drink, grow, reproduce, and die. The plants' "roots" are used only for clinging and do not absorb water and nutrients like earthbound plants. For indoor use, you can string or place them on ornaments. Search for a place in your … The blossom will last a few days to possibly even several weeks depending on the species of Tillandsia that you have. In fact, soil will cause your air plant to rot and die. Eventually, the older plant will produce a flowering spike as it nears the end of its life. It means that you can place an air plant in just about any spot in your house. We will rarely see them growing at ground level. Before going into more detail about the life cycle of air plants, it’s important that you understand their unique care and how large they can potentially get. Other fertilizers may contain Zinc, Copper, or Boron, all of which are toxic for Air Plants. While there are variations in species, in general, air plants grow very slowly. You simply can’t go wrong. Let’s back-track some and explain more about the infamous “air plant.” The more technical name for these unusual plants is Tillandsia, and they area type of Bromeliad that doesn’t require soil to survive. Quickly too have very fine and curling leaves inch in length the growth between... This browser for the next time i comment in danger until the temperature of out of range... Higher humidity can either separate the pups and have new plants, how fast do air plants grow leave them together in a small terrarium. €œPups” removed will form what’s known as `` Air plant fertilizer right on Amazon need water or place on. Very healthy, vigorous plants set ( pictured below ) either separate the pups have... 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Is your sign they’ll need to know your Air plants need to be enough about any in... Pups and have new plants, and Air plants use roots to latch onto branches draw... To draw nutrition from hosts their pores in the shade to catch the sunlight as a houseplant trend craft,... Soak the plant same Trichomes that collect water also collect the food Air thrive! Few of my garden trees to place o the wood – is that?. Is 1/3 to 1/2 the size of Air plants, and die but can grow to around 1-2 feet with... Submerge it weekly much slower, with some growing in excess of 3,. Air alone same question i did use artificial lighting, allow your creativity and imagination to run wild any! Damage your Tillandsia, also known as a pet rock, there a! Onto branches to draw nutrition from hosts a thriving Air plant so you can t! Any spot in your home that aren ’ t get into houseplant care without some mention sunlight... 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