These tropical plants typically grow in humid regions, such as rain forests, in many areas around the world. Air plants can be found in Central and South America, as well as the West Indies, Mexico, and even in some areas in the southern United States. In the wild, you can find them growing in trees and crevices, as well as on rocks and cliffs. Most air plants are epiphytes, meaning they rely on hard surfaces for stability but don’t require soil for nutrients. That’s because “Their leaves are covered in tiny hairlike structures called trichomes that help them absorb nutrients and moisture from the air,” Lindsay Pangborn, a gardening expert at Bloomscape, explains. Despite their name, these plants don’t subsist only on air. When keeping them as houseplants, you’ll need to water them too. Air plants also give off indicators when they’re thirsty. “The best way to know is to check your plant’s color and firmness,” says Naomi Robinson, founder of Houseplant Authority. “If it’s a lighter color than normal combined with it being softer than usual, it’s time for a drink.” Paying attention to how much light your plant receives is important because too much or too little sun can cause issues. “Too much sun can cause unsightly sunburn, which appears as bleached areas of the leaves,” Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms, explains. “If they don’t get enough sun, they’ll slowly decline and die because they don’t have the energy to survive.” “You can use an orchid fertilizer, following the directions on the product packaging or dilute a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer at about 10% of the recommended strength,” explains Hancock. Fertilize while watering your air plant. Pangborn adds, “It’s best to fertilize regularly during active growth times, like during the spring and summer months.” When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time in her garden, experimenting with ingredients in the kitchen, or spending time by the ocean. See her portfolio on her website.
