Learn how to keep these tropical plants happy indoors.
What Is an Air Plant?
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight which can easily burn their delicate leaves.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Water
Air plantsrequire regular wateringto thrive indoors.
However, some air plants prefer regular misting, or a quick dunk versus a longer soak.
Air plants prefer warm, humid conditions to ensure that they do not dry out.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Add to the water you spray or soak them in.
These fertilizers contain absorbable nitrogen.
The following are some of the most popular and well-known types of air plants.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Pull off any dried-up or dead leaves gently as you spot them.
This both keeps the plant pretty and helps regenerate newer growth.
As you clear off any old leaves, light will reach the healthy leaves more easily as well.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Hanging pots, terrariums, and fish bowls are all good options for air plants.
If the plant becomes too big for its container, you’ve got the option to repot it.
This is the only time repotting is necessary.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
The most common pests of air plants are mealybugs and scale insects.
Both cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt.
you could try wiping away the bugs with rubbing alcohol every few days until the infestation is eliminated.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
To prevent them from returning, spray the plant with neem oil on a regular basis.
Air plants are vulnerable to rot and fungal diseases if they retain excess moisture.
These conditions present as brown or blackened roots that feel squishy when you touch them.
To avoid this, refrain from overwatering your plant.
or keeping it in extremely humid conditions.
Bloom Months
When your plant blooms will depend on what species it is.
It will not bloom until it’s reached maturity which could fall at any point in the year.
How Long Do Air Plants Bloom?
Each species of air plant will have a different lifecycle for individual blooms.
This generally ranges from a few days to a few months.
The larger the air plant, the longer the flowering cycle will take.
Some larger air plants have blooms that last up to one year.
What Does an Air Plant’s Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Bloom styles will vary depending on the punch in.
Much of the time, flowers are vibrant colors ranging from pink and red to blue and purple.
Some species will produce fragrant blooms, and others will not.
The speciesPurpureais said to smell like cinnamon while the speciesDuratiiis said to have a smell similar to grape soda.
This can take several months so be sure to continue with proper care including watering.
If you’re deadheading, simply pull the blooms from the bracts.
Identifying the issue early is key to saving your plant before its too lat.
As a first step, try increasing the humidity around the plant before you increase your watering schedule.
Once you resume watering, cut back slightly from your previous watering schedule.
In fact, proper watering is one of the most important parts of caring for an air plant indoors.
Overall, air plants are fairly low-maintenance houseplants that are easy to keep happy indoors.
Just as house plants in soil are good for your home, so are air plants.
It’s also believed that bromeliads, especially, are beneficial for removing pollution from the air.
That’s because this pop in of air plant can’t withstand too much moisture.
Air plants.Clemson Cooperative Extension.
Air plants.Cornell Cooperative Extension.
