How to grow air plants without soil? With the right method, they will still bloom and set seed

When it comes to the air plant, this green plant, the most direct impression it gives people is “simply amazing!”, because it can grow directly in the air without the nourishment of soil, and in recent years its popularity in the home decor market has been off the charts, so since air plants need neither soil culture nor water culture, exactly how should they be grown? If cared for well, will they bloom and set seed?

1. How to grow air plants?

It is said that the air plant is currently the only plant discovered that can grow naturally in the air, that is, it can be directly “planted” in the air. Different varieties look different too; some are soft and cute, some are aloof, and some are all bared teeth and claws. Below, I will share with you the cultivation methods for air plants.

1. Growing container

Rocks, dead wood, tree fern boards, shells and various racks are all very suitable for growing air plants. Then simply use wire, string, all-purpose glue, etc. to fix the air plant onto the growing container. Of course, you can also grow them hanging, depending on your own preference.

Be careful not to grow them in bottles or fish tanks, as poor air circulation will cause the air plant to rot and wither.

2. Temperature control

The air plant is a plant introduced from the tropics, so it is more suitable for growing in an environment of 20-28°C.

3. Maintain ventilation

If you want to grow air plants well, you must keep the environment well ventilated. This point is very important!

4. Control watering

Air plants do not need to be watered too frequently. Different varieties have different water requirements, so you should judge whether to spray water based on the actual condition of your air plant. Generally, when the leaves look a little droopy, just spray some water. Be careful that there is no standing water, as it will cause root and leaf rot.

5. Control light

When growing air plants, do not give them too much strong light exposure, as it easily causes sunburn. A spot at home with indirect light is enough.

2. Do air plants bloom and set seed?

As a “distant relative” of the pineapple (same family, different genus), the air plant can also bloom and set seed, so from this angle, the air plant is both a foliage plant and a flowering plant.

1. The flowering period of air plants

Each air plant blooms only once in its lifetime, and the specific time varies. Generally, most varieties of air plants bloom in early spring and late autumn, and the flowering period can last about 20 days.

The flowers of air plants are on the purplish-red side, shaped like rice ears, and full of vitality. In addition, when air plants bloom, their leaves also change color, usually turning red.

2. The fruit of air plants

However, although an air plant blooms only once in its lifetime, it will not die immediately after blooming. Instead, within the following 1-2 years it will begin to set seed and reproduce.

The seeds will drift with the wind, attach to tree branches or stones, and if they feel “comfortable,” they will just grow on their own.

Friendly reminder: After an air plant blooms is the best time for division. Simply cut off the withered flowers and flower stalks after the flowers fade, and before long many small plantlets will grow. Once the plantlets have grown, they can be divided.