Mounting air plants (Tillandsia) on wood is really easy and very easy to care for. They don’t need potting soil to grow; instead, they usually attach themselves to a tree and get their food and water from the air (hence the name) and dead things like leaves. They don’t depend on other plants for food, unlike Octo-mom, which does [Gasp!] depend on its parents for food. I can’t believe I just said that!
Displaying air plants on weathered, textured wood creates a beautiful, natural-looking arrangement. Air plants (also called tillandsia) attach easily to wood without needing soil, making mounted displays low maintenance. Their exotic shapes and forms contrast beautifully against natural wood grain patterns.
Follow these simple steps to create your own mounted air plant masterpiece on wood:
Things You’ll Need
- Air plants
- Piece of wood (driftwood, plank, log slice, etc)
- Glue (hot glue or plant-safe glue like E6000)
- Moss or lichen (optional)
- Wire or fishing line (optional)
Step 1: Choose Your Wood Base
Look for an interesting piece of wood with nice texture knots, grooves or bark patterns. Driftwood, fallen branches, and log slices make great bases for mounted air plants. Wood should be dry and free of rot or pests.
Consider the size and shape of your wood piece. Long planks can display a row of multiple plants. Flat wood slices can hold a grouping. Curved or gnarled wood can cradle just one statement plant.
Sand down any rough spots if needed so plants can attach flush against the surface. Remove any loose bark or splinters.
Step 2: Select Your Air Plants
Choose plants that suit the size and shape of your wood base. Tillandsia xerographica has dramatic height, while smaller varieties like T. ionantha work nicely in groups.
Consider mixing different textures and shapes for visual interest. Air plants with stiff leaves contrast nicely with softer, twisted varieties.
Grouping multiple plants together lets them play off each other. But a striking solo plant can also make an impact.
Step 3: Clean Air Plants and Wood
Gently rinse each plant and allow to dry completely before attaching them. Use room temperature water – hot or cold water may shock the plant.
Wipe any dust or dirt off the wood base so plants can adhere properly. Let wood dry completely before gluing.
Step 4: Apply Glue to the Wood
Hot glue or epoxy adhesives like E6000 work well to affix air plants to wood. Avoid bare hands when applying glue directly. Tools like popsicle sticks or a glue gun are useful.
Apply a quarter-sized dot of glue where you want each air plant to attach. For larger/heavier plants, use a bit more glue – about the size of a half dollar.
Let glue start to get tacky for about 30 seconds before placing the plant, so it adheres better. Avoid excess dripping glue.
Step 5: Press Air Plants Into the Glue
Carefully lower each plant onto its glue dot and gently press the base into the adhesive. Angle the leaves attractively away from the wood.
You can attach plants upside down or sideways if desired. Be sure to press the entire base so the plant stays put.
Allow glue to cure fully – 24 hours for E6000 or 1 hour for hot glue. Keep away from direct sun while curing.
Step 6: Add Accents (Optional)
To blend the base of plants into the wood, you can cover glue spots with moss or lichen. This gives a natural, organic look.
Apply a small dab of glue over the plant’s root base, then press fragmented preserved reindeer moss on top to hide the glue.
You can also use thin wire or fishing line to attach plants for a removable option. Wrap securely around both plant and wood.
Step 7: Display Your Creation
Once glue is cured, you’re ready to showcase your mounted air plant art! Place it as a centerpiece, hang on a wall, display on a shelf, or anywhere that needs a bit of nature.
Make sure all plants are oriented properly for light exposure. Water by misting or dunking when they need it. Your maintenance-friendly mounted piece will draw admiration for years to come!
Choosing the Best Air Plants for Mounting
While any tillandsia can attach to wood, some varieties are especially suitable for mounting. Consider these picks:
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T. xerographica – Striking spiraling form. Draws eyes upward.
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T. harrisii – Graceful arching leaves with purple bloom.
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T. streptophylla – Cascades beautifully. Nice en masse.
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T. ionantha – Clumping habit with colorful blooms. Great in groups.
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T. bulbosa – Bold and bulbous shape. Eye-catching texture.
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T. fuchsii – Vibrant red coloring. Contrasts nicely with wood.
Mounting Q&A
Get answers to common questions about mounting air plants on wood:
What kind of wood works best?
Driftwood and fallen branches with natural shapes offer ideal texture. Weathered scrap wood cut into rounds also works beautifully.
Can I mount multiple plants on one piece of wood?
Absolutely! Grouping 3-5 plants on a single base looks lovely. Go with odd numbers for best design.
What glue is safe for air plants?
A plant-safe epoxy like E6000 or hot glue work well. Avoid superglue which can damage plants.
How should I water mounted air plants?
Mist mounted plants a few times a week or dunk weekly to soak. Avoid getting the wood base wet.
Can air plants reattach if I remove them from the wood?
Yes! As long as you don’t damage plant roots, they can be reglued if needed.
With dimensional wood, interesting air plants, and quality glue, you can easily create living art. Follow these simple steps to display dazzling mounted air plant pieces. Show off your mini plant oasis anywhere from patios to desktops.
Step 4: Attach Plants
Put a small amount of glue about the size of a coin where you want to attach the air plant. For bigger plants, use more glue. Let glue get tacky, usually about a minute or so. Place plant onto glue – yes even the roots! Press firmly in place. Repeat steps 1 & 2 for every plant. (If you don’t have glue, you can also wire each plant into place.) I was shocked when I first heard I had to stick the plant into toxic glue, but it’s okay.
Step 3: Attach Wall Mount (if you plan on hanging it)
The support you choose could easily sit on a table top or hang but that’s up to you. It can be hung by making a loop out of wire wrapped around the wood. You can also drill a hole in the wood and then wire it. It all works.
Mounting Airplants on Driftwood
FAQ
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