How to Grow Air Plants? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods

The plant Qinnong Network is introducing to you today is quite remarkable. It is the only plant on Earth so far that can grow completely without depending on soil, meaning this plant can grow directly exposed to the air and still bloom with beautiful flowers. It also has a lovely name, called “air plant” (Tillandsia). Below, Qinnong Network will introduce the cultivation methods for this plant.

1. Container

Since it does not need to attach to soil, the choice of container naturally depends on your own interest. Many people use shells, stones, tree stumps, and so on for aesthetic appeal. Any container you can think of can be used, as long as the plant can be fixed onto it.

2. Fixing

Speaking of fixing, how should you fix it? The roots of air plants are not tools for transporting nutrients but serve a fixing role, which can also be understood as a person's “feet.” However, in the early stage of planting, we need to assist with fixing. You can choose wire or rope for tying, or use glue or hot melt adhesive to stick it onto the container. Alternatively, you can grow it by hanging, using copper wire or rope to tie it up and suspend it in the air.

3. Temperature

Air plants can tolerate low temperatures of 0°C and high temperatures of 40°C. Most varieties will suffer frost damage below 5°C, and the plant will die below 0°C. The most suitable temperature for growth is 15~30°C. When the temperature is higher than 25°C, ventilation should be strengthened and air humidity increased. In summer, pay attention to misting to increase humidity and lower the temperature.

4. Water

Since it is not attached to soil and its roots are not tools for transporting nutrients, how should it obtain water? Anyone who has grown flowers can easily think of it, and that is —— misting. For misting air plants, use a spray bottle to mist 2-3 times a week. In drier weather, you can spray once a day. When misting, spray until the leaf surface is completely wet, but be careful not to let water accumulate in the center of the leaves. If too much water is sprayed, turn the plant upside down to let the excess water flow out.

5. Light

Air plants with grayer leaves, more white scales, and thicker, harder leaves need stronger light; while varieties with greener leaves, fewer scales, and softer leaves are more shade-tolerant. During care, you can provide appropriate light according to the variety. The simplest method is to place the plant in a bright indoor location. If growth is weak and spindly, just supplement light in time.

6. Fertilizing

Here is the same problem again: without soil, how do we fertilize it? The simplest way is to soak the plant in a fertilizer solution diluted 3000-5000 times for 1-2 hours, then take it out, once a week. Stop fertilizing in winter.

The above is Qinnong Network's introduction to air plant cultivation methods. After reading it, do you feel that it somewhat overturns traditional planting concepts? Actually, although it seems overturning, it is really just that we do not understand this plant very well. In fact, by comparison, air plants are much easier to care for than other plants. The most direct point is that you no longer have to worry about killing the plant because you do not know how to mix soil.