Say hello to your new air plant
Once youʼve had a moment to view the splendor of this versatile little plant youʼll want to give it a little refreshment. While air plants can survive for many days inside a shipping box, youʼll want to open the box upon arrival to give it some fresh air and a bath to allow your plant to relax after itʼs long journey. Just follow the watering steps below to begin.
Make a care plan for your plant friend
Air plants may not require much of your attention, but don’t forget about them! In order for your air plant to thrive you’ll need to water them at least once a month. While you’re giving them a bath, you should also check if your air plants need a haircut. Trimming old leaves allows for healthy new growth and prevents the base of the plant from retaining water.
Watering
Once a month remove your air plant from the planter and soak in a bowl of tepid tap or bottled water for 1 hour. After itʼs soak, gently shake to release excess water from the base and carefully place your plant upside down on a towel to dry. This is a very important step to avoid your air plant getting too wet. After a couple of hours of drying the air plant is ready to return to its home.
Grooming
As your air plants grow, some leaves near the base may turn brown and die off. This is normal and they may be pruned with shears. Do not let a buildup of dead leaves form around the base as this can hold too much moisture and cause mold or rot.
Color Theory
The color of your plant tells you a lot about it's health. Your plant should always be a vibrant green. If it is looking lighter in color this is because small scales called trichomes are coming to the surface of the plant and trying to pull moisture out of the air. They are not a mold or fungus so donʼt be alarmed. If you plant is looking a darker more evergreen color then you are overwatering. Spray misting can also be added in between watering to help keep your plant fresh. Do not keep plants constantly wet or moist and do not keep standing water in the bottom of your planter as this will cause rot.
Location, Location, Location
The location of your air plant plays a big role in how you care for it. For example, if you house your planter in the bathroom where you shower everyday and it is getting a lot of mist then one watering a month will be ideal. If you place your planter under the heat vent in your home or office and it is getting blasted with dry air then a second watering per month would be best.
Light
Air plants need bright but indirect light. In the summer months (April-October) avoid direct sunlight as your plant can get burnt. In the winter and fall months (November- March) direct sun is ok in temperate climates. The natural habitat for your air plant is in the low light of the jungle canopy. This means that your plant will do best with low light. If you put your plant in a window just make sure the plant is facing inward to avoid getting too much sun. Brown tips can be a sign your plant is getting burnt.
Temperature
Air plants are tropical and prefer warmer temperatures ranging from 60-90° F. Night time drops in temperature are ok as long as itʼs not much below 50° F.
Moisture
Your individual watering schedule will be determined on the placement of your planter. For example, if you house your planter in the bathroom where you shower everyday and it is getting a lot of mist then one watering a month will be ideal. If you place your planter under the heat vent in your home or office and it is getting blasted with dry air then a second watering per month would be best.
