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Feature Friday: Air Plants
The Free Spirits of the Flora World
John Harrison
April 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes
MEET TODAY’S FEATURELet’s talk about rebellion. Not the kind that gets you grounded as a teenager, but the kind that shakes up the entire gardening rulebook.Meet air plants, also known as Tillandsia—the quirky, soil-free, humidity-sipping, low-key magical little houseplants that are redefining what it means to grow green. They’re the bohemians of the botanical world. The freelancers. The “I don’t need a pot to be happy” type. Air plants have zero interest in being rooted, which makes them not just fascinating to look at, but incredibly versatile in how you display them. And oh yeah—they’re also surprisingly easy to care for. In this week’s Feature Friday, we’re floating into the dreamy world of air plants. Whether you’re new to the Tillandsia tribe or you’ve already got a few stylishly perched around your home, you’re going to love this deep dive into these no-fuss flora. |  |
Hey there!
You’re reading the Feature Friday from PlantmyPlants— a newsletter about growing houseplants and living a little differently. Every issue brings articles and DIYs for youi to explore teh world of plants (horticulture if you’re fancy) on your own terms — quietly, intentionally, and off the beaten path. Let’s dive in.
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THE FEATURE
What Are Air Plants, Anyway?
Air plants belong to the genus Tillandsia, a group of around 650 species in the bromeliad family. Native to forests, mountains, and deserts of Central and South America, they’ve evolved to grow on tree branches, rocky surfaces, and other non-soil environments.
They’re epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, not in soil. But don’t worry—they’re not parasites. They simply perch where they can catch light, air, and moisture, living their best life without sucking nutrients from their hosts.
Air plants absorb water and nutrients through tiny scales on their leaves called trichomes. These allow them to pull moisture from the air—hence the name. It’s like if your pothos could photosynthesize coffee from the morning dew. Wild, right?
Air Plant Myths & Mystical Vibes
Myth Busted: “Air plants don't need water.”
Let’s put this one to rest: Air plants need water. The name might make them sound like leafy little sky fairies that live on vibes and moonlight, but even floaty friends need hydration. They just get it differently—through their leaves, not roots. Forget to water them, and yes, they will wither.
Myth Busted: “You can glue them anywhere.”
Technically true—but should you? Not really. While it's tempting to hot-glue Tillandsia to your favorite driftwood or wall art, glue can block air flow or trap moisture at the base, causing rot. If you must attach them, use a dab of waterproof craft glue on the base (not the leaves), and always ensure they can be removed easily for soaking.
Myth Busted: “Air plants are indestructible.”
They're tough, but not immortal. Neglect them long enough (especially in dry environments), and they’ll crisp up. That said, they’re pretty forgiving, especially once you know their rhythms.
They simply perch where they can catch light, air, and moisture, living their best life without sucking nutrients from their hosts.
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