Tips, Tricks, Lessons-Learned, and so much more
We were out in the yard tossing seeds into the wind, Leo thought the dandelions were magic, and Arya was trying to bury calabaza seeds in her shoe “so they’d grow secret pumpkins.” Right then, I spotted this tiny little plant at the edge of our old wooden shelf (no dirt), (no pot), just hanging on. I almost brushed it off, but something about it made me stop. Turns out, it was an air plant.
No soil? No roots? I was so confused and honestly thought it wouldn’t last a week. The first one we got? I dropped it in the sink while watering it and lost it down the drain. Typical me.
But we kept trying and now? We’ve got a whole shelf full of these floaty, twisty, magical little green things.
Ever seen a plant that doesn’t need dirt? If not, keep reading because air plants might just become your new favorite weird plant friends.
How Many Types of Air Plants Are There?
There are over 650 types of air plants in the world! That’s a lot of plants that don’t need dirt. These cool plants belong to a family called Tillandsia (till-AND-zee-uh). Some are tiny like a pea, and some are as big as your arm.
What Are the Different Types of Air Plants?
Here are some easy-to-remember types of air plants:
Tillandsia Ionantha
These are small, fluffy, and turn red or pink when they bloom. They’re great for beginners.
Tillandsia Xerographica
Big and curly! These air plants look like a wild hairdo. They love bright light.
Tillandsia Caput-Medusae
This one looks like a wiggly octopus! Its name means “Medusa’s Head.” Spooky, right?
Tillandsia Bulbosa
It has twisty green arms that grow in fun shapes. Kids love how silly it looks.
Tillandsia Aeranthos
This one has purple flowers and pointy green leaves. It’s like a little green crown.
Tillandsia Tectorum
This fluffy plant comes from the mountains. It’s covered in white fuzz and loves dry air.
Each type is unique and fun to look at!
What Type of Plants Are Air Plants?
Air plants are epiphytes. That means they grow on other things, like trees or rocks, but not in dirt. They use their roots to hold on, not to suck up food. They drink water from the air through their leaves.
So, air plants are not like normal plants that need pots and soil. They’re like little superheroes that live in the air.
Do All Types of Pathos Plants Clean the Air?
Nope, not all of them, but most types of pothos plants can help clean the air! Pothos is a different kind of plant (not an air plant). It grows in soil and has trailing vines. Some types like:
- Golden Pothos
- Marble Queen Pothos
- Neon Pothos
…can help remove bad stuff in the air. They act like tiny green air filters.
But remember, air plants and pothos are not the same.
What Type of Fertilizer to Use on Air Plants?
- Use bromeliad or air plant fertilizer.
- It should say “low copper” because copper is bad for them.
- Mix a tiny bit into water once a month.
You can even use diluted orchid fertilizer, but don’t use regular plant food, it’s too strong!
What Type of Symbiosis Do Air Plants and Trees Have?
A commensalism. That means:
- The air plant gets help (like a place to live on a tree branch).
- The tree doesn’t get hurt or helped.
5 More Fun Air Plant Facts
- Air plants don’t grow in soil—they live in the air!
- They bloom flowers once in their life, then make baby plants called pups.
- You can stick them on walls, shells, wood, or hang them in glass globes.
- They need soaking baths once a week.
- They’re perfect for kids to care for—no mess, no fuss!
Simple Tips for Taking Care of Air Plants
- Light: They love bright but not-too-hot light. Like near a window!
- Water: Soak them in water for 20 minutes once a week.
- Dry: Let them dry upside-down so water doesn’t sit inside and rot them.
- Air: They need good air flow, don’t shut them in a jar!
- Fertilizer: Once a month with special air plant food.
Easy Ways to Decorate with Air Plants
FAQ
What is an air plant?
An air plant is a plant that grows without soil and drinks water through its leaves.
Do air plants need water?
Yes, they love to take weekly baths in water.
How do I water an air plant?
Soak it in a bowl of water for 20 minutes, then let it dry upside-down.
Can I use tap water?
Use rainwater or filtered water if you can.
Do air plants grow fast?
They grow slowly, but they’ll make little baby plants after they bloom.
Can I put them in a closed terrarium?
They need fresh air to stay happy.
What kind of light do they need?
Bright but not hot sunlight.
Do air plants flower?
Yes! Once in their life, they bloom a flower. After that, they make babies!
What are air plant pups?
Pups are baby air plants that grow from the big one after it flowers.
How do I hang an air plant?
Use string, or glue them to stuff like wood or shells. No soil needed!
Can I cut an air plant?
Only if the leaves turn brown or it’s done blooming.
