The Best Containers for Displaying Air Plants

Air plants are epiphytes that grow attached to trees and rocks in nature, so they don’t require soil to thrive. This makes displaying air plants creatively in your home easy since they aren’t limited to traditional planters. From teacups to driftwood, seashells to glass terrariums, the possibilities are endless! Here are some of the best containers for showcasing your air plants in style.

Choosing Air Plant Containers

Since they don’t grow in soil, air plants are extremely versatile when it comes to container options. There are a few considerations when selecting an air plant vessel

• Drainage – The container should allow water to drain easily to prevent rotting Small drainage holes work well

• Size – Match the size of the plant to the container so it is well-supported.

• Material – Avoid metal and materials that degrade in moisture. Natural and glazed ceramics, glass, and wood work great.

• Weight – For wall or hanging displays, choose lightweight containers like shells and cork.

• Theme – Pick containers that complement your decor style or design theme.

Matching the look of your air plant containers with the plants themselves creates pleasant cohesive displays. For example Tillandsia species with pink blooms or red leaves pair nicely with rose gold brass, or copper toned planters.

Best Container Materials for Air Plants

Here are some top materials for creating stylish air plant displays:

Ceramic and Glass – Glazed ceramic and glass planters add a modern, sleek look and come in every shape and color. Just ensure drainage holes are present.

Natural Wood – Unfinished, porous wood slices or blocks make perfect natural air plant bases. Woods like birch, mango, and bamboo work well.

Seashells – Real or imitation seashells like conch and murex shells create ocean-themed displays.

Driftwood – Weathered, dried branches or pieces of driftwood can hold air plants while providing texture.

Cork – Cork rounds lend a lightweight, earthy touch and are available in assorted sizes.

Rocks and Pebbles – Interesting polished or raw stones, pebbles, and chunks of wood make trendy holders.

Creative Containers for Air Plants

Looking for unique air plant vessel ideas? Here are some creative ways to display your tillandsias:

• Showcase small air plants in wine cork planters, overturned light bulbs, or colorful glass Christmas ornaments.

• Plant air plants in the nooks of natural wood branches, twisted vines, sea fans, or pieces of coral.

• Arrange a grouping of assorted air plants in a large glass terrarium for a lush indoor garden.

• Use oyster shells, sea urchins, sand dollars, and starfish to create ocean-themed or coastal displays.

• Attach air plants to wall mountings, hanging planters, or mounted grapevine or manzanita wood rounds.

• Display air plants on a piece of weathered barn wood, an old shutter, or distressed metal sign leaning against a wall.

• Plant air plants in a collection of repurposed kitchenware like teacups, mugs, bowls, or utensils for eclectic charm.

• Top an orb of moss or florist foam with an air plant for an unexpected living sculpture.

Ideal Air Plant Containers

Here are some of the most popular and best performing containers tailored for displaying air plants:

Natural Wood Slices

Thin cross sections of tree logs or branches make perfect no-fuss air plant bases. Birch, maple, and mango wood slices are commonly used. Wood repels moisture and resists rotting. Make sure the slice has a diameter at least as wide as your air plant. Add pebbles below for stability if needed.

Sea Urchins and Starfish

Wired artificial sea urchins and starfish found in craft stores allow you to achieve the ocean-inspired look without harming live creatures. Use dabs of hot glue to attach plants. Urchins lend fun texture and color like purple, green, pink, and metallic gold.

Seashells and Sand Dollars

Real seashells like whelks, murex, and periwinkles or lightweight artificial shells make gorgeous nautical displays. Use strong adhesives like epoxy or waterproof glues to firmly adhere air plants to avoid moisture damage. Large conch shells and sand dollars also make bold statement pieces.

Glass Terrariums

Open glass containers likegeometric and diamond-shaped terrariums provide airflow while neatly showcasing multiple plants together. Choose cylinders, cubes, and spheres in clear, tinted, or frosted glass. Leave the top open or remove part of the lid to allow ventilation.

Cork Rounds

Natural cork tiles and circles sold for crafts make perfect no-fuss air plant bases as they are lightweight, absorbent, and inexpensive. Choose cork rounds 3-4 inches wider than the diameter of the fully grown plant. Cork resists moisture well but allows air circulation.

Ceramic and Glazed Pottery

Colorful handmade ceramics and glazed pots lend artisan appeal. Match colors and patterns to your plants. Glazes make cleaning simple. Choose lightweight containers with at least one drainage hole. Wider vessels prevent tipping. Waterproof any porous clay or exposed terra cotta.

Displaying Your Air Plants

The beauty of air plants is you aren’t limited to showing them off on horizontal surfaces. Take advantage of their versatility by displaying your plants in unexpected ways:

• Use strong magnets to affix small air plant containers to steel fridges or filing cabinets.

• Hang glass globes, pod planters, and vertical wood slices from the ceiling with fishing line or monofilament.

• Group collections of mixed containers on wall mounted shelves, corner rails, or sconces.

• Place air plants in tabletop terrariums and bell jars elevated on acrylic risers, small glass vases, or decorative boxes.

Let your imagination run wild when it comes to finding or making stylish vessels to showcase your air plants! From natural to modern to handcrafted, any container that allows drainage and fits your aesthetic will work beautifully.