Water, light, and, you guessed it, air are the only things that air plants need to stay alive.
Air circulation is one of the most important aspects of an air plant’s care. Why is air flow so important? Because air plants have trichomes that help them take in as much water from the air as possible. They need air flow to use their trichomes and dry off after being watered. When you water an air plant, it should be able to dry out in 4 hours to avoid damage.
The open front of this air plant terrarium, allows adequate air flow for the plants within
Humidity also plays a role in how well your air plant will thrive in its new home. The extra water in the air should help your air plants grow if you live somewhere with moderate to high humidity, like we do here in Florida. But too much humidity can cause rot, so if you live in a high-humidity area, watch how much water you give your plants. You may find that your plants need a little extra water or misting in between waterings if you live in a dry, arid area. This is because the air humidity is lower there.
Another thing to consider with air quality is the environment where you are displaying your air plants. If you put them on display inside, remember that air conditioners, fans, and heaters can dry them out. If you put your air plants near fans or air vents, make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they get enough water and don’t dry out too quickly after you water them. If air conditioners or heaters dry out your plants too quickly, you may need to mist them between waterings.
Temperature affects the health of your plants. Remember that most air plants come from hot, tropical or dry desert-like places. If you leave your air plants outside, don’t do so when it’s below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees. They prefer a temperature range of 50-90 degrees.
Air plants, also known as tillandsia, have surged in popularity in recent years as unique and low maintenance houseplants. With their ability to grow without soil, they certainly have some intriguing qualities unlike traditional houseplants. But when it comes to their cultural needs, many new air plant owners find themselves asking: do air plants like humidity?
Understanding an air plant’s preferences for humidity versus dryness is crucial for helping the plant thrive. Here we’ll demystify the humidity needs of air plants and outline some key care tips.
Air Plants Do Like Humidity
In their natural tropical environments, most air plant species grow in humid conditions. So when cultivated as houseplants, air plants do prefer relatively high humidity levels.
Their ideal humidity range is 50-70% relative humidity. In environments with low humidity, below 40%, air plants may struggle and fail to thrive. Their growth will be stunted and leaves often curl or brown in very arid indoor air.
Providing supplemental humidity is important for allowing air plants to grow vigorously and display their full beauty in terms of lush foliage and abundant blooms
Ideal Temperature Range
Air plants prefer warm conditions along with humid air. Their optimal temperature range is 55-85°F. Avoid exposing air plants to temperatures below freezing or above 90°F.
Aim to provide air plants with warmth and humidity in tandem. Cool, humid conditions can also stress the plants. The combination of warmth and moisture is ideal.
Providing Adequate Humidity
Here are some effective tips for furnishing an air plant with sufficient humidity
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Display in a terrarium or wardian case to create a mini greenhouse.
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Group multiple air plants together to raise local humidity through transpiration.
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Place pots or trays of pebbles filled with water near the air plants.
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Use a humidifier or pebble tray humidifier in the room.
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Mist the air plants daily using a spray bottle.
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Grow air plants in a bathroom where regular showering raises ambient humidity.
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Avoid positioning near heating/cooling vents which dry the air.
Good Air Circulation is Also Key
While air plants need humid conditions, good air circulation is also crucial. Stagnant, stale air can lead to fungal or bacterial leaf diseases.
Make sure air plants are not crowed together too densely, and use small fans to gently circulate the surrounding air.
Signs of Low Humidity Stress
Check your air plants regularly for any signs they are getting insufficient humidity. Potential indicators include:
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Leaves appear curled or rolled lengthwise
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Tips of leaves turn brown and dry
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Plant growth is stunted
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Few or no blooms
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Leaf color looking faded/less vibrant
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Increased susceptibility to pests like mites
Promptly address low humidity stress by adjusting the plant’s environment before lasting damage occurs.
Ideal Air Plant Species for Humid Settings
Some air plant species are naturally adapted to higher humidity levels than others. When shopping for air plants to grow in humid conditions, look for these top picks:
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Tillandsia ionantha – Thrives with 60%+ relative humidity
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Tillandsia juncea – Enjoys humidity above 50%
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Tillandsia bulbosa – Tolerates humidity up to 90%
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Tillandsia aeranthos – Handles humidity above 65% well
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Tillandsia butzii – Prefers higher humidity around 70%
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Tillandsia tenuifolia – Does well with 50%+ relative humidity
Finding the Sweet Spot in Your Home
As with most houseplants, finding the ideal spot in your home that provides air plants with sufficient warmth and humidity can take some trial and error. Observe how your plants respond in different rooms and adjust accordingly.
With a bit of tweaking you can discover the sweet spot where your air plants will truly flourish. Paying close attention to their humidity preferences is the key to unlocking abundant and healthy growth.
Maintaining Healthy Air Plants
Here are some other care tips for keeping air plants healthy in addition to providing adequate humidity:
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Water properly by soaking the plant 1-2 times per week and allowing to dry upside down.
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Fertilize sparingly with a bromeliad fertilizer every 2-3 months.
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Ensure adequate sunlight without direct hot sun burning the leaves.
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Rotate the plant periodically to promote even growth.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites, mealybugs and scale.
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Avoid rot by watering early in the day to ensure drying out.
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Transplant to a larger mount as the plant outgrows its current base.
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Propagate new air plant pups that emerge at the base of mature plants.
The Takeaway on Air Plant Humidity
Providing an environment with warm, humid air is key to keeping your air plants actively growing and looking their best. Pay attention for any distress signs of insufficient humidity. A little tweaking of the conditions can go a long way in caring for these unique indoor plants. With proper humidity and other care, air plants can bring years of interest and living art to your home.
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FAQ
Do air plants like bathrooms?
What conditions do air plants like?
How often should I water air plants?
Do air plants like high humidity?
Mesic air plants prefer the humidity range between 50% to 70% range. But the xeric types do best in high humidity and will appreciate anything above 65%. If you can get these factors right, your plant will be a sight to behold in all seasons. How To Find Out What Humidity Your Home Is? Is your home’s humidity range ideal for the air plant?
How much humidity do air plants need?
Air plant humidity needs to be between 50 to 70%. Mesic air plants do better in moderate humidity. Xeric types, however, thrive in high humidity climates. In most homes, the humidity won’t be nearly as high – the average indoor humidity level falls between the 40 to 60% range.
Do air plants like cold weather?
Air plants love warm weather, so it’s the other end of the thermometer you need to watch. Protect your plants from anything colder than 45°F; they die at those temperatures. If you live in USDA Zone 9 or warmer, you can grow an air plant outdoors all year if you keep it dry during the winter. Air plants thrive in high humidity.
What does an air plant need to thrive?
What an air plant needs to thrive is closely related to the environment you intend to grow your Tillandsia. The air plant environment factors are: Light. Air. Temperature. Humidity. These will determine where you will put your air plants (which rooms, indoors or outdoors) and how you will display them too (terrarium, wood, etc.).
Can air plants live in a bathroom?
Yes! Air plants thrive in high humidity and will appreciate being in a humid environment like the bathroom. To be safe, place them away from direct sun, and allow them to soak in the humidity. You are better off mounting them to prevent them from being in direct contact with water for prolonged periods.
Can you grow air plants outside all year?
If you live in USDA Zone 9 or warmer, you can grow an air plant outdoors all year if you keep it dry during the winter. Air plants thrive in high humidity. If your home is particularly dry in winter, add a humidifier to the room holding the plants.