Air Plants are the perfect plants for beginner gardeners. They are extremely low-maintenance and fun to display in your home. In this blog, you will learn all about Air Plants, care tips, and creative decorating ideas so you can easily incorporate these lovely plants into your space.
AIR PLANTS FOR BEGINNERS
Air Plants are also known as Tillandsia. They are epiphytes which means they get their nutrients from the air and water around them. These fun houseplants do not live in the ground, nor do they need soil to thrive. Here are a few varieties available now at a Calloway’s or Cornelius near you.
Hanging Air Plants
Jellyfish Air Plants are trendy, unique, and make a fun gift. The Tillandsia is housed inside a sea urchin shell or seashell. It is made to hang and create the illusion that it is floating like a jellyfish.
Curly Air Plants
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Xerographica
Xerographica Air Plants have a stunning silvery color with large curly leaves. This variety is considered the king of Air Plants. Originating from Central and South America and Mexico, Xerographica is a hardy and beautiful option.
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Caput-medusae
Caput-medusae gets its name from the snake-shaped leaves. With striking grey-blue foliage, this plant can produce blue-red tubular flowers in the early summer. Caput-medusae is native to South America, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
Rosette Air Plants
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Capitata Maroon
Did you know this Tillandsia was first identified in 1886? Capitata Maroon Air Plants have thick, silver leaves with a hint of pink that form a rosette. This larger variety produces tubular dark purple flowers.
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Ionantha
Ionantha Air Plants are petite and so cute. They are also known as Sky Plants. The Ionantha variety is native to Central and South America. It grows in a rosette of thin, arching green leaves.
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Abdita
Abdita Air Plants have velvety leaves that go from green to a gorgeous shade of red. Native to Costa Rica, this plant can produce small blue flowers that perfectly contrast the bright red foliage.
CREATIVE DECORATING IDEAS WITH AIR PLANTS
Idea #1: Make Air Plant Magnets
SUPPLIES:
- Corks and Seashells
- Magnets
- Hot Glue
- Paint
To create a cork magnet with your Air Plants, paint the bottom portion of the cork with your favorite colors. We chose bright and festive colors to accentuate the foliage.
After the paint dries, carefully make a small hole on the unpainted top of the cork. This will help support the Air Plant. With adult supervision, add a dab of hot glue where you created your hole and attach the Air Plant.
Complete your craft with magnets. On the back of the cork, add more hot glue and attach 2 magnets for extra support.
To create a seashell magnet, simply select the right shell for your Air Plant. On the inside of the shell, add some hot glue and place your Air Plant inside with the leaves shooting out from the shell.
Finally, add glue to the back of the seashell and attach 2-3 magnets.
Once the glue has dried completely, your magnets are ready! Spruce up your kitchen and display your new Air Plant magnets on your refrigerator for all to enjoy!
Air Plant Magnets are also great ideas for easy gifting or party favors. They are multipurpose and beautiful!
Idea #2: Create an Air Plant Terrarium
SUPPLIES:
- Exotic Décor Pebbles
- Decorative Stones
Do you have any empty canisters? Use them and make your own Air Plant Terrarium. This activity is a great to help expand your creativity, you can use a variety of supplies and décor. Create your own fairy garden or make a stunning display for your home. For our creation, our design was simple to let the Air Plant be the focal point.
First, add a layer of décor pebbles. Place a few larger and contrasting stones to add scale and dimension. Place your Air Plant in the center to complete your terrarium. Display your Terrarium on your desk or shelves for a lovely and natural accent piece.
Idea #3: Design Flower Vase Air Plants
SUPPLIES:
- Exotic Décor Pebbles
- Decorative Stones
If you have any empty flower vases or candle holders, put them to good use! Create a stunning centerpiece in just a few minutes. To make a colorful display, try using decorative sands. For our creation, we used black and white stones for a modern look.
First, fill a portion of the vase with the décor pebbles. Add larger stones on top, using an opposite color scheme to create contrast. Place your Air Plant in the center of the vase to complete the look. Display your creation as a centerpiece on your table or on your bookshelves.
AIR PLANT CARE TIPS
To keep your Air Plants happy and healthy, here are a few plant care tips for your success. First, Air Plants prefer bright to medium indirect light throughout the day. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Watering is very important to maintaining the health of your Air Plants. Mist or dunk each plant 2-3 times per week. Shake the plant gently to remove excess water. Air Plants need good air circulation to survive. Good air flow will allow the leaves to dry after watering.
Feed your Air Plants with Southside Plants Air Plant Fertilizing Spray. This gentle liquid plant fertilizer is specially concentrated for weekly applications. The fine mist sprayer makes it easy to spray directly onto your plants with no mixing or measuring required. Spray each plant about 1-2 times per week, depending on size.
SHOP FOR INDOOR PLANTS WITH EASE
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have everything you need to start your Air Plant collection! Shop our local community plant stores or shop online for Curbside Pickup or Delivery!
Stop by today and explore our entire Air Plant collection! Questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
