Watering: the key to healthy air plants

Air plants, or Tillandsias, may well be the most fascinating plants you can bring into your home. They grow without soil, absorb nutrients through their leaves and look like miniature sculptures from nature. But make no mistake: even though they are low-maintenance, they do need care. And watering is the most important factor. In this blog, we take a closer look at how to do it right.

Why watering is so crucial for air plants

Air plants take in water and nutrients from the air through tiny pores in their leaves, called trichomes. In their natural habitat – the rainforests of South and Central America – they often live high up in trees, where humid air and regular rain showers are the norm. In your home they miss out on those natural conditions, so it's essential that you assess their water needs correctly and respond to them.

Soaking, misting or rinsing – what works best?

There are three common ways to water air plants: soaking, misting and rinsing. Which method you use depends on the conditions in your home and the type of air plant.

1. Soaking

The most recommended method. You fully submerge your air plants in a bowl of water for about 20 to 30 minutes. Ideal for plants in a dry room or plants that haven't had water for a while. After soaking, shake them out well and let them dry upside down.

2. Misting

Handy for daily or weekly maintenance, especially for smaller species or when the plants are hung up as decoration. Please note: misting alone is often not enough in the long run.

3. Rinsing

You hold the air plant under a gentle stream of water for a few seconds. This is a quick way to remove dust and lightly moisten the plant, but it doesn't replace a full soak.

In practice, a combination of soaking (once a week or once every 10 days) and misting in between is often the best approach.

How often should you water an air plant?

How often depends on several factors:

• Humidity: In a humid space (such as a bathroom), you need to water less often.

• Season: In summer, air plants dry out faster than in winter.

• Light exposure: More sun = more evaporation = more water needed.

• Type of air plant: Some species, such as Tillandsia xerographica, like less water than others.

As a general guideline:

• In summer: soak once a week + mist 1-2x in between.

• In winter: soak every 10-14 days + little to no misting.

What water is best to use?

Tap water often contains lime and other substances that can clog your air plant's pores over time. Better options are:

• Rainwater: Ideal, because it's soft and natural.

• Filtered water: Also fine if you don't have rainwater.

• Bottled water (non-carbonated): Can be used in a pinch.

• Lukewarm water: Preferably use water at room temperature.

Be careful with water from a water softener: it often contains a lot of sodium, which can be harmful to air plants.

The importance of proper drying

After every soak or rinse, your air plant needs to dry properly. If it doesn't, you risk rot – one of the most common causes of dying air plants.

Here's how to do it right:

• Place the plant upside down on a towel or rack.

• Let it dry for at least 4 hours in a spot with good air circulation.

• Only put it back in its spot once it feels completely dry.

Air plants in glass globes or closed decorations are extra sensitive to moisture build-up, so be extra careful with those.

Signs of too little (or too much) water

Air plants show you clearly how they're doing. You just need to look closely.

Too little water:

• Curling or rolled-up leaves

• Dull, gray color

• Leaves feel crispy or brittle

Too much water:

• Soft or black center

• Yellow or translucent leaves

• Mold growth

When in doubt: water a day later rather than too early. They handle a bit of drought better than excess moisture.

Special situations: vacation, heat wave or heating on

Vacation

Leaving your air plants alone for more than a week? Give them an extra-long soak just before you leave. Some people put the plants in a tray with damp moss to prevent them from drying out, but watch out for mold.

Heat waves

During a hot summer spell, air plants can dry out faster. You can mist a bit more often, or schedule a second soak if needed.

Indoor heating

Warm air = dry air. Don't place your air plants directly on top of or next to a radiator, and mist a little more often in winter.

Bonus: using a humidifier?

Yes! Air plants love a humidity level of around 50-70%. If you use a humidifier, especially in the winter months or with underfloor heating, your air plants will naturally stay healthier. This reduces the need for frequent watering and keeps the plants in top shape.

In conclusion

Watering seems simple, but with air plants it's the key to success. Take the time to observe your plants and adjust your routine to their behavior and your home environment. With the right balance of soaking, drying and observing, you'll keep your air plants fresh and healthy for years.

Want to know how to help them grow optimally or even bloom? In the next blog, we'll dive into light and placement – an equally important topic.