How To Tell If Your Air Plant Needs Water?

Air plants, despite their name, require more than just air to survive. They need light, water, and nutrition as well. You can tell if your air plant needs water by looking for a few simple indications.

Air plants use their leaves to communicate their thirst. Wider, flatter leaves are typical of a healthy air plant with lots of water. They should appear on air plants with visible trichomes (the fuzzy white stuff on the outside of their leaves) “additional fuzziness”

When an air plant requires water, the leaves begin to form a ring “U”-shape The tips of the leaves may darken, the leaves may thin, and/or the leaves may curl in on themselves over time.

The air plant in the image below is the same as the one above, except it has been without water for about a week. The edges of the leaves are just beginning to curl:

Curling leaves are more visible in larger air plants or those with a variety of leaf types. The image below shows a stricta hard leaf that exhibits the curling pattern when it requires water:

We can also take a look at an extreme case. This poor little fellow was spray painted artificially red and was horribly dehydrated when he was for sale in a large retailer. My best assumption is that this is a brachycaulos (which is regularly spray painted by merchants), but in its current state, it’s difficult to tell.

Air plants, on the other hand, are extremely hardy even when neglected. This one has been in my care for a few months, and you can already see new green growth emerging from the middle. There’s always a chance!

How do I know if my air plant is thirsty?

Tip: Keep an eye on your plants’ leaves to see whether they’re thirsty. Curly leaves are drier, and a healthy white fuzz on your plant indicates that it is healthy, not that it is drying out. Under-watering is also indicated by brown leaf tips and a withered appearance. Take note of how your plant appears following a nice soakhow does it compare to how it seems now? Because each plant is unique, pay attention to what it is teaching you right now.

How do I know if my air plant is too dry?

4. Direct sunlight will burn your plant or dehydrate the leaves to the point of death. It’s normally safe to expose yourself to around 45 minutes of direct sunshine in the early morning or late afternoon. However, it is recommended that you use filtered sunlight or complete shade.

5. Frost – Air plants are cold-sensitive. They don’t like temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius. If you live in a chilly climate, bring your air plants inside during the winter months.

6. Humidity – some types of air plants prefer high humidity. It’s possible that your air plant’s leaves are too curled because the air is too dry for it. Spraying or soaking air plants in water isn’t enough moisture if the air is too dry. If you suspect your air plant perished due to low humidity, immerse it for 30 minutes once a week in addition to your normal misting practice. Alternatively, mist your plant on a regular basis. You can also place the air plant on something that will keep it moist, such as driftwood. Another approach is to make a bed with a 50/50 mixture of orchid potting mix and perlite. Spray the mix every time you spray your plants. Your air plants will be so delighted that they may even drop roots into the mixture.

How can you tell if an air plant is under watered?

The name “air plant” is a little deceiving. Members of the Tillandsia genus are named after the fact that they may grow without any soil at all. In reality, one of the most common misconceptions we encounter in air plant care is assuming that Tillandsia just require air to survive.

Air plants are epiphytic (meaning they grow on other plants without harming them) and emerge from the curves and branches of trees in their natural habitat of South and Central America’s forests, mountains, and deserts.

Air plants are among our favorites; they look great on their own and are included in many of our Plant Craft items, such as aeriums and mounts.

The following are the best methods for air plant care that we advocate. We’ll start with an overview of how to care for air plants in general, then move on to specific adaptations for aeriums, terrariums, and mounted Tillandsia.

Air plants require strong, indirect light to grow. Rooms with southern or eastern facing windows are ideal because they will be brilliantly lit by the sun for the majority of the day. North-facing windows also perform well, as long as the plant is close to the window and the window isn’t obscured by trees or a neighboring apartment complex. Western light arrives late in the day and can be extremely hot and strong. You don’t want to fry your air plant, so be careful!

As a general rule, the more light the air plant can tolerate, the higher the humidity in your environment. This implies that if you’re going to put your air plant somewhere where it’ll get a lot of light, you’ll need to spray it more frequently – twice a week, if not everyday. Because the humidity from your shower will take care of most plant misting, a sunny bathroom provides a great home for an air plant.

Many customers question if they can keep an air plant in an office or basement room with no natural light. Yes, however there are a few guidelines to follow in order to assure your plant’s success.

It’s essential to use full spectrum (fluorescent) lighting. Regular incandescent bulbs do not produce the quality of light required for photosynthesizing by these plants. Your Tillandsia should be no more than 3 feet from the source of light. Also, if you’re using fluorescent lighting, the plants will need at least 12 hours of light per day.

If you live in a basement or want an air plant in your office, we recommend purchasing a dedicated bulb for your plant (such as a Gro-Lux, Repta-Sun, or Vita-Lite) and placing it on a 12-hour timer to ensure that your plant receives all of the light it need.

Watering an air plant is the most difficult aspect of air plant upkeep. Some individuals swear by misting, while others swear by soaking, and still others combine the two in their air plant care routine.

Watering air plants is difficult in our experience because the plant’s needs vary drastically depending on the location in which it is situated. The first step in watering your air plant is to assess its surroundings. What kind of light does your plant get? At this time of year, what is the temperature in your home? Is the environment excessively dry (does your plant have access to a heater or fireplace?) Is it hot and humid?

After you’ve answered these questions, you can tailor the air plant watering schedule to your specific requirements. As a starting point, we recommend the following:

Soak your air plant in room temperature tap water (or rain/pond water if you can find it) for 5-10 minutes every one to two weeks.
After soaking gently shake excess water off your plant. In a light area, turn it upside down and place it on a towel. This is vital information! If you leave your air plants in too much water, they will quickly rot.
The plant should be able to dry completely in no more than 3 hours after the soaking is finished. If your plant is left wet for an extended period of time, it may rot. To help things dry faster, try putting it in a brighter area with better air circulation.
Mist your plant thoroughly once a week to ensure that the entire surface is wet (but not so much that there is water dripping down into the plant).
The more water you need to water as the weather gets hotter and dryer (summer, early fall). The less water your air plant needs the cooler and more humid the air is (winter and spring). But keep in mind that heaters and fires dry out the air!
Do all of your watering first thing in the morning. Evening soaking or misting interferes with the plants’ capacity to breathe overnight, resulting in a longer drying time.

The browning or crisping of your air plant’s leaf tips is a sign that it’s been under-watered. When air plants are under-watered, their inherent concave shape becomes more pronounced.

Unfortunately, it’s generally too late to salvage your air plant if it’s been over-watered. Your plant has likely succumbed to rot if the base of the plant turns dark or black, and leaves are dropping out or off from the center.

When it comes to temperature, air plants are relatively laid-back. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures should be around 10 degrees colder at night than they are during the day.

Once or twice a month, incorporate orchid or Bromeliad fertilizer into your watering routine to keep your air plant happy. Simply sprinkle a pinch into your water and carry on as usual. Fertilizing your air plant promotes blooming and reproduction (or pup more on this later)

Air plants only flower once in their lives, did you know? These blossoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the species, and can come in a wide range of vibrant colors, including pink, red, and purple. Flowering is the highest point in an air plant’s life cycle, but it also signals the start of the plant’s old age: after flowering, the plant will die.

But don’t give up! Depending on the species, your air plant will reproduce by putting out 2-8 flowers just before, during, or after flowering “Puppies.” These tiny air plants will eventually grow into their own mother plants, despite their modest size. When the pups are about 1/3-1/2 the size of the mother plant, they can be securely separated. Take care not to pull them out too soon, since they are absorbing nutrients from the mother air plant!

Above: A brass mister is a stylish and classic Tillandsia Xerographica companion.

While larger air plants look great on a windowsill or tabletop, we prefer to incorporate their smaller siblings into our living art “Aeriums” are a type of terrarium that is solely dedicated to air plants! Here’s everything you need to know about air plant care in glass.

Simply take your plant from the aerium, terrarium, or glass to mist/soak it, then allow it to dry before putting it in the glass, as directed above.
Keep in mind that maintaining your air plant in glass will produce a microclimate in which the glass vessels will be more humid and hot than the surrounding space.
Avoid placing glass vessels too close to a window. Glass enhances the light of the sun. You don’t want your plant to cook!
You won’t be able to soak your plant because it won’t come out of the glass, so you’ll have to rely only on misting. This is perfectly OK.
Smaller glass means less air circulation, which means longer drying time for the plant and less misting.
Larger glass = more air circulation = faster plant drying time = more misting.
When misting your air plant, make sure to mist around it rather than directly into it. You don’t want to overwater it; instead, you want to keep it moist.
We recommend starting with weekly misting and adjusting as needed, depending on the vessel.

You won’t be able to wet your mounted air plant like you can with air plants in small glass pots. Mounted air plants, on the other hand, will require more regular misting than aeriums because they are not enclosed in a humid microclimate. Starting with twice weekly misting and adjusting as needed, depending on how long it takes your plant to dry in your location, we recommend starting with twice weekly misting.

If you follow these air plant care instructions, your Tillandsia should thrive in no time! Do you have any queries or tips regarding caring for air plants? Let us know in the comments!

How long can air plants go without water?

Air plants thrive when they are properly cared for. Despite the fact that air plants are among the easiest houseplants to care for, it is nevertheless recommended that you give them some attention. Providing your air plants with the water they require, appropriate light, good air circulation, and fertilizers such as orchid plant food are all important aspects of caring for them.

Without water, air plants can survive for two weeks. Even if the plant is still alive, its health has been compromised. Regarding the right watering schedule, you should bathe your air plants in water at least once every two weeks and spritz them once a week.

How often should I soak my air plant?

On our Facebook page, we get a lot of queries on how to water air plants, so I wanted to elaborate a little. While Tillandsia (also known as air plants) are easier to care for than many other plant kinds, they do require some upkeep and TLC, and water plays an important role in their overall health. Here are some of the most common questions we hear about watering air plants, along with our answers:

This is mostly determined by your climate and where you keep the air plants, as well as the Tillandsia species (learn more about mesic vs. xeric air plants here) and the type of environment in which it grows in nature. We reside in Tampa, FL, so it’s very humid here for the majority of the year, and we don’t run the heat in our house during the winter like our friends up North (I’m not trying to rub it in!). We water our plants twice a week on average, but those who live in drier climates will need to water more frequently. Depending on the time of year, you may find that you need to water your plants less. It also depends on where you keep them in your home or office. A humid bathroom will keep the plants moist, but those near an air vent or heat source will need to be watered more frequently. (Please note that keeping your plants near heat sources is not recommended.)

Note that, while humidity might slow the drying process, it is not a suitable watering method in and of itself!

Again, you’ll want to adapt your watering methods based on your climate and air plant species, but we recommend soaking your plants in water at least once a week for MOST air plants and settings. You can use anything that allows you to totally submerge the air plants, such as a bowl, bucket, or your sink. Soak them for 30-60 minutes at least once a week, and every other week if you live in a dry area, give them a longer soak for an hour or more. If you live in a humid environment or have a xeric air plant, you may want to cut the soak time in half.

After bathing, make sure the air plants are completely dry. Turn them over and lightly shake them or set them to dry with their leaves facing down. Allowing water to remain in the leaves can cause the plants to decay. The plants should be placed in an area with sufficient air circulation and should be able to dry entirely in 4 hours. If your plants are housed in a globe or terrarium, ensure sure they are thoroughly dry before bringing them back home!

You’ll notice how wide and open the leaves are after soaking them, and how much more “happy” they appear. This is how a properly hydrated air plant should seem! If the color turns slightly dull and the leaves begin to close/curl over time, this is an indication that your Tillandsia is thirsty, and you should give them another soak. If your air plant is in desperate need of water, soak it for several hours or overnight to see if you can rehydrate it. Before soaking or spraying them again, make sure they have a chance to dry thoroughly.

It’s also a good idea to spray the plants in between waterings. If you live in a dry area, this might be a terrific method to keep plants healthy and offer them some additional attention. Unless you have one of the few varieties of air plants that like low moisture, such as the T. tectorum (which we only propose misting) or the T. xerographica, misting is not a substitute for a proper soak (which we recommend dunking instead of soaking).

When it comes to water, air plants aren’t picky, and most tap water is good, but it all depends on the water quality in your location. Because these waters are more nutrient-dense, the best water to use is rain water, aquarium water, or pond water (note: if using one of these waters, don’t add any additional fertilizer). If you’re using tap water, let it out for a few hours to allow the chlorine to disperse (maybe 24 hours in some areas.)

Do not use distilled water because it is too “clean” for these plants and will deprive them of the nutrients they require. Also, don’t use artificially softened water, since it is often too high in salt content for Tillandsia.

We recommend soaking your air plants in the morning to ensure that they dry completely throughout the day, as well as because air plants utilize the evening to breathe carbon dioxide and will be unable to do so if they are wet in the evenings.

This is known as CAM, and you can learn more about it in our page on how air plants breathe. You can check on them before going to bed and put them back in their terrariums or displays if you expose them to some indirect sunlight.

These are the most frequently asked questions about watering air plants. Did we respond to your question? If you’re not sure, just ask! Are you looking for more information on how to care for air plants? Visit our Air Plant Care page for more information.

What does an unhealthy air plant look like?

What is it about air plants (Tillandsia) that fascinates people so much? Air plants are epiphytic, which means that, unlike most other plants, they don’t need soil to survive. Instead, they use their leaves to absorb moisture and nutrients. Despite the fact that air plants require little care, they can become ill looking shriveled, weak, brown, or droopy. Is it possible to save an air plant in this state? Yes, as long as the plant isn’t too old. Continue reading to learn how to revive a Tillandsia.

How do you save a dry air plant?

How can I revive my air plant is a common concern that most people have at some point during their tillandsia growing adventure. The first step in revitalizing any air plant is to figure out what’s causing the problem. Then you can take the necessary steps to address the issue that is causing your air plant to die.

It’s possible that your air plant will turn quite white or gray at times. While a covering of white or gray hair or trichromes on your air plants is typical in most situations, a naturally green air plant that is going excessively white or gray could be an early symptom of your air plant drying.

The good news is that if your air plant becomes very white or gray, it is not dying. When the air plant lacks water, the trichromes simply become more apparent, causing the plant to appear paler than usual.

A dry air plant can be revived by soaking it in water for 5-8 hours. After the soak, shake off any excess water and allow your air plant to dry within 4 hours of watering. Rep the long soaking every 2-3 days until the plant no longer seems to be dry.

If your air plant is drying up again after being rejuvenated with a series of extended soakings, check the light, temperature, and humidity levels of the surrounding environment.

To assist your air plant maintain moisture, keep it away from direct or very bright indirect light. Air plants enjoy temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you expose your air plant to severely cold or hot temperatures, it may be difficult to revive it. Extreme temperatures can dehydrate the air plant to the point where it can no longer thrive.

Root rot is usually indicated by brown or black leaves on the air plant. When air plants are not thoroughly dried out after watering, they might get root rot. When the air plant’s leaves are persistently damp, fungal infections can develop, causing lasting damage to the plant’s cells. The air plant would eventually turn brown or black as a result of these dead cells.

You may resurrect your air plant by gently plucking the brown or black leaves as soon as you notice them to prevent the infection from spreading. To avoid root rot, keep the air plant in a location with sufficient air circulation and allow it to dry quickly after each watering.

Severe occurrences of root rot that spread to the plant’s center can cause the air plant to die. If the root rot is severe enough that the plant begins to fall apart, you’ll need to start over with a new plant.

Growing air plants is a trial-and-error procedure that can take some time. While air plants might wither due to dryness, lack of light, or a lack of nutrients in the water, the most common cause of death is root rot, which is caused by the air plant not drying out correctly.

To avoid the risk of root rot in the future, try other approaches and situate your air plant somewhere with more air movement.

How often should I mist my air plant?

Air plants in glass globes have grown so popular that I’m always getting calls asking how to care for them. Follow these simple instructions to get the most out of your glass-encased plant. If you’re seeking for glass globes, our shop has a wide selection of distinctive patterns.

When you initially get your plant, immerse it in water for 20-30 minutes. Take note of the plant’s size and color to determine how content it is. Keep this “image” in your thoughts at all times.
Every 4-5 days, mist your plant with one spray for tiny globes, 2-3 sprays for globes 3-5 inches in diameter, and more if the plant is in a large open globe. The trick is to determine the drying time; the smaller the globe, the less circulation, the longer the plant will retain moisture. The plant will perish if it is overwatered.
Remember how your plant appeared after it had been soaked? If it has lost its joyful, healthy appearance, remove it from the globe and soak it for 30 minutes to an hour, then shake it and allow it dry almost entirely before replacing it.
Do not position your globes in front of a window that receives direct sunlight. Keep in mind that the glass will magnify the sunshine and heat. The ideal light is indirect light, and certain plants may even flourish in low to moderate light.
Ionantha Guatemala, Ionantha Rubra, Ionantha Scaposa, Ionantha Mexican, Ionantha Fuego, Funkiana, Argentea, Bulbosa Guatemala, and Butzii are some of the most popular globe plants.
The following care instructions are more specific, so feel free to really dive-in! As I’ve learnt more over the last year, I’ve added more.

Do you soak air plants upside down?

When it comes to watering air plants, the bottom line is to bathe the leaves every week to ten days. Then, before returning the plants to their original location, make sure they are totally dried upside down.

Can I soak my air plants overnight?

Any plant requires light to survive, but air plants may get by with filter sunlight or even artificial light.
Place your air plant 3-5 feet away from a window or near a source of artificial light.
Even inside, too much sunshine is bad for an air plant. If you’re going to grow it outside, make sure it’s in a somewhat shaded spot. Only a few kinds can withstand full-day sun.

Watering

The most important thing to know is that each air plant, like other plants, will require various quantities of water depending on the kind, size, and area in which it is cultivated. These are only guidelines, not hard and fast regulations.
When growing air plants indoors, you should water them at least once a week. The frequency is determined by the humidity in their environment. An air plant kept near a heater will dry out much more quickly and require more frequent watering than one kept in a more humid environment.
To water your air plant, submerge it face down in water for 10-20 minutes, either in a container or in your sink. Alternatively, you can repeatedly submerge plants in water. To avoid rotting or damage, gently shake off excess water after soaking.
Water first thing in the morning so that moisture can evaporate throughout the day. After 4 hours, they should be dry enough to return to the container or display area.
Misting your tillandsia can help in a pinch, but it is not suggested all of the time.
If you want to fertilize your air plant, seek for a copper-free orchid or houseplant fertilizer (air plants are copper-sensitive). It’s easy to fertilize your plant too much, so don’t do it too often; diluting your fertilizer can help.
You can immerse your air plant in water (in a bowl or sink) for several hours or overnight if it appears to be thirsty or struggling. This is typically effective in reviving your tillandsia.
Rainwater or pond water are ideal for watering your tillandsia. Do not use distilled or artificially softened water to water your plants.
Dehydrated air plants have closed and curled leaves, whereas healthy air plants have wide, open leaves.
Submerging an air plant’s flower or blossom in water might cause it to decay.

Environment

One of the greatest places to put your air plants is near a bathroom or kitchen window, where the steam and moisture will keep them happy.
The way air plants develop and how much water they require can be affected by temperature. Air plants thrive in temperatures ranging from 10 to 32 degrees Celsius (50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Freezing temperatures are a no-no for tillandsia, as they are extremely sensitive to cold.
Air plants, naturally, require clean air to thrive. They need enough air movement after watering to dry out within 4 hours.
Although it is common to put tillandsia in pots or terrariums, and they do well in them, it is not suggested that they be completely enclosed in them. Your plant will be deprived of moisture and nutrients if there is no air movement.
Avoid positioning your plants too close to heating and air conditioning vents, as they may dry up more quickly and require more watering.