Air Plant Care Instructions

Air plants are amazing little plants called Tillandsias, and are some of the easiest plants to grow. They do not need soil to grow, they actually use their roots to ancor themselves to their surrounding and absorb nutrients and moisture from their environment, without stealing from other plants around them. The great thing about Tilandsias is that if you forget about them for a few weeks or you go away on a holiday they won't die in a hurry. The may survive months of neglect and long periods with very little water and still be able to come back strong and recover.  In saying that they still need some attention so here are a few simple steps and your Tilandsias will live for years.

Light

The success of a Tilandsias living in a Glass Orb will largely depend on it's position. Early morning sun, or late afternoon sun is preferred as the sun in middle of the day can be to harsh especially through the glass, it may burn the plant. 

Water 

Tilandsias cannot absorb water and therefore live off the water stored in their leaves. The easiest way to water your plants is to fill up a bucket or your sink with water and remove your Tilandsias from the glass orb. Then place the plants face down for 10-20 mins. Gently shake off any excess water and leave them out to completely dry before returning to their home. If you are short of time you may opt to do the dunking method, where in you also fill the bucket but instead of submerging the plants for a period of time you dunk them in about 4 times shake them off and then let them dry before returning them to the orb. Never let your plants sit in the water for prolonged periods of time.  You may also wish to mist between watering if you think your plant needs it, especially if its near A/C. 

Wherever possible use rain water or filtered water when watering. If you are using tap water please fill your bucket or sink and allow the water to stand for at least an hour before watering to dissipate any chemicals.

If your Tilandsias has flowers when you water them, make sure you don't submerge the flower, just the leaaves

If your Tilandsais starts to curl up it means it needs a longer soak. 

A healthy Tilandsias will have firm and erect leaves.

Air

Tilandsias like to be in a dry area with good air circulation. Don't leave them in a humid area, as the may go soggy. 

It is important that after watering you give your plant good air circulation allowing it to dry before you return it to the orb to prevent water pooling on the roots. 

Plants positioned near AC may dry out quicker and there for may require more frequent watering. 

Temperature

Tsilandsias are usually found in the warmer climents so if you live in the freezing areas make sure to keep them indoors.  

Fertilising

Air plants do not need to be fertilised, however if you would like to give your Air plant a boost once a year you could use a teaspoon of fertiliser in the water you soak them in.

Pruning

When mature all Tilandsias produce beautiful colourful flowers. After blooming, with care they will produce what is called "pups". Eventually, over the years your plant and it's "pups" may out grow its house. If this is the case you can divide the clusters of "pups" from the plant and return the original plant to its orb. Now you have little baby Tilandsias to start making your own terrariums with.

Feel free to trim any brown leaves off as overtime new ones will grow.