Most people think of soil when they think of plants. I mean, they just go together, right? So, getting a plant means getting soil or getting a cut flower.

Unless you are in on the secret of the Air Plant, also called Tallandsia. Then you have a hardy, beautiful plant that can grow without soil. Air plants are a type of epiphyte, which are plants that grow on other plants. They are evergreen perennials, which means they will grace the home as long as you take care of them. Some of the 730 species of air plants produce little, fragrant flowers, but as a general rule, people love them for their pretty leaves.

This brings us to how to care for air plants: the air plants use their roots to anchor themselves to branches and take all their moisture and nutrition from the air through their leaves. This means that all you have to do to keep an air plant happy is to treat their leaves right.

Put them where they will receive plenty of bright, filtered light. They like direct sunlight if they are outside, but they can quickly burn if they're inside right next to an unshaded window. This is partially because the inside air gets so dry. Putting your plant in a sunny spot a bit away from the window is a good idea, as is using an incandescent light.

When you first get your air plant, it will probably need a long drink. Let it sit in unfiltered, non-softened water for 20 to 30 minutes. After this, wet your air plant 2 to 3 times a week depending on how dry the air is. An air plant might not ever need more than a misting if it is outdoors. Inside, misting with tap water that you have allowed to sit for a bit supplements regular baths. Once you have wet your air plant, turn it upside down and gently shake them to get rid of the excess water. The puddles of water can cause problems if they don't evaporate in less than 3 hours.

Your air plant will need nutrients with its water. This part is easy. Add a little orchid or bromeliad fertilizer to your mister when you mist them and they will do fine. There are even mists specifically for orchids that have the fertilizer already mixed in.

As you can see, air plants are easy to care for, and if you go to our website you will see that they are pretty, too. If you know someone who could use a soil-free plant companion, contact us and we will match the perfect air plant to his or her needs.

Enchanted Florist

4416 Fairmont #104

Pasadena, TX 77504

(832)850-7677

Find us on:

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

We are located at: