Let’s talk about having babies—air plant babies, that is! Tillandsia air plants grow slowly from seeds, so most Tillandsia nurseries prefer to grow air plants from cuttings. We depend on propagation to grow more air plants and make some very healthy Tillandsia plants here at Air Plant Design Studio.
Look at how big this Tillandsia streptophylla pup is! We just took it from its big mother plant and it looks so healthy and happy.
There are times when an air plant will make offsets, or “pups,” after it has gone through the bloom cycle. Depending on the Tillandsia species, the offsets will grow in different ways. There are air plants that make pups around the base or root system, and there are others that make them from under one of their leaves, which protects the young Tillandsia pup.
On average, air plants will create 1 to 3 pups after the blooming process. Some varieties can product many, many more.
When the offsets are about a third of the size of the mother plant, you can carefully cut them off. With the right care and conditions, the pup will then go through its own lifecycle, getting bigger until it blooms and has its own babies. To remove a pup, gently pull on the base of the pup while supporting the mother plant. When an offset is ready to be taken off, it should be easy to separate without hurting the mother or the baby. If you have to use too much force, we suggest leaving it in place.
If you don’t separate the offsets from the mother air plant, they will continue to grow into a “clump” that can be very big. How you store them will affect the shape to some degree. For example, if you hang clumping ionantha air plants, the pups will be able to grow in all directions and should eventually form a spherical clump. With the right conditions, these groups of air plants can have more than one bloom at the same time, as the pups continue to grow until they are fully grown and bloom, then continue to make more pups.
Air plants product offsets, or pups, normally following the blooming process. At some point in their lives, all Tillandsia will go through this process. However, some types, like the xerographica air plant, are much slower to bloom and make pups. For Tillandsia to bloom and make offspring, they need a lot of light (the type of air plant you have will determine the level and intensity of light it needs), water, and air flow. You can also use a Tillandsia-specific fertilizer, like this one, to speed up the flowering and pup production. But remember that fertilizer should only be used in small amounts and should not be used instead of proper care or conditions.
Our articles about the air plant blooming process explain what happens before the plant makes pups and what happens after the bloom.
Air plants also known as tillandsias, are unique and beautiful houseplants that have captured the hearts of plant lovers everywhere. One of the most exciting things about growing air plants is that they produce baby plants called pups! But what exactly do air plant pups look like?
As a beginner air plant grower myself, I was curious to learn all about air plant pups. Here is a beginner’s guide to what air plant pups are, what they look like, and how to identify them on your own plants.
What Are Air Plant Pups?
Air plant pups are baby air plants that grow off of mature “mother” plants. Pups form after an air plant blooms They emerge from the base or from underneath the leaves of the mother plant
Pups look almost identical to the mother plant, just on a smaller scale. They have the same leaf shape, texture, color, and growth habit This is because pups are clones – genetically identical copies of the parent plant
- Air plant pups are baby air plants
- They form after the mother plant blooms
- They are genetic clones of the mother and look nearly identical
When Do Pups Appear?
You can expect pups to start forming about 6 months after an air plant blooms for the first time. However, some air plant species can take years to bloom and produce pups.
Here’s a general timeline:
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Month 1-6: Air plant matures and blooms for the first time
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Month 6-12: Small nodes form at the base – these are the emerging pups!
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Month 12+: Pups grow larger and can be separated from the mother plant
So be patient, and continue caring for your air plants normally after they bloom. With proper light and watering, you will soon be rewarded with adorable little pups!
What Do Air Plant Pups Look Like?
Now let’s get into the details of what air plant pups actually look like. Here are the telltale signs that your air plant has produced babies:
Mini Versions of the Mother
Pups will look nearly identical to the mother plant, just on a smaller scale. They will have the same leaf shapes, textures, colors, and growth patterns.
For example, if the mother is a light green air plant with curly thin leaves, the pups will look the same.
Emerging from the Base or Leaves
Look for pups emerging from the base or underneath the lower leaves of the mother plant. The mother’s leaves often partially cover the pups, protecting them as they grow.
Pups generally do not grow on stems or on top of leaves. They originate from below.
Nodes or Clusters at the Base
The first sign of pups is usually little nodes or clusters forming at the base of the mother plant. Examine the base closely to look for any bumps, clusters, or leaf growth.
Mini Leaves and Roots
The pups will rapidly grow their own small root systems and leaves. At first they are mini versions of the mother plant’s leaves and roots.
As the pups mature, their leaves and roots become more defined and look like a small air plant.
1-8 Pups Per Plant
Depending on the air plant species, you can expect 1-8 pups to emerge from each mother plant. Certain types produce more generous quantities of pups.
If the conditions are right, some mother plants can support 10 or more pups! But 1-8 pups is typical.
Separating and Propagating Pups
Once the pups grow to be about 1/3 the size of the mother plant, you can gently separate them to propagate new air plants! Here are some tips:
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Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut the pup away from the mother plant
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Try to avoid damaging the roots of the mother or pup
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Allow the cut to callous over for a few days before watering
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Place the pups in bright, indirect light while they mature
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Water 1-2 times a week, allowing to dry between waterings
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Use air plant fertilizer sparingly to nourish the pups
With proper care, the pups will flourish into gorgeous mature air plants, continuing the life cycle.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Air Plant Producing Pups?
If your air plant bloomed but did not produce any pups, here are some common issues to check:
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Insufficient light – Air plants need very bright filtered light to bloom and pup. Low light delays pup formation.
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Under-watering – Consistent watering is vital for the blooming and pupping stage. Letting plants dry out too much can prevent pup development.
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Over-watering – Too much moisture can cause fungal issues and rotting. Allow plants to dry between thorough weekly waterings.
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Low humidity – Mist your air plants daily or place them above pebble trays to increase moisture. Low humidity inhibits blooming.
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Incorrect fertilizing – Apply air plant fertilizer very sparingly, no more than once a month. Too much fertilizer can burn plants and prevent pup production.
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Cold conditions – Ensure air plants stay above 50 F, which encourages blooming and subsequent pup formation.
With proper care tailored to your specific air plant species, you will start spotting adorable baby pups in no time!
Final Thoughts
Getting your first set of air plant pups is an exciting milestone for any indoor gardener! Now that you know what to look for, be on the watch for tiny pups emerging from mature plants. With a little patience and proper growing conditions, you’ll have a thriving pup nursery and generation after generation of beautiful air plants in your home.
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FAQ
Do you have to remove air plant pups?
What do pups look like on an air plant?
How many pups will an air plant produce?
How many babies do air plants have?
How do I know if my air plants have pups?
Observing your air plants closely will help you notice the first signs of pups growing. These offshoots typically begin to form around the base of the mother plant, appearing as small bumps or protrusions.
How many pups do air plants produce?
On average, air plants will create 1 to 3 pups after the blooming process. Some varieties can product many, many more. You can gently remove offsets from the mother plant when they grow to be about 1/3 the size of the mother.
Do air plants produce pups immediately after blooming?
Don’t fret if your air plants don’t produce pups immediately after blooming, as it may take some time for them to appear. Keep taking care of the mother plant, making sure it has adequate light, water, and airflow, and you’ll eventually begin to see these baby plants sprouting.
Can you take air plant pups and propagate them?
Many species bloom just once in their lives, but you can take the pups and propagate them to create new plants. When air plant pups are between one-third and one-half the size of the mother plant, it’s safe to remove them. Simply separate them, water, and find a new place for the pups to grow into full sized air plants.
What does a plant PUP look like?
Unlike plants produced by seed, plant pups are asexually propagated and will usually look just like miniature clones of their parent plant. Did you find this helpful?
Why are my air plant pups not growing?
Sometimes, air plant pups may show signs of poor growth after being separated from the mother plant. This can be due to various factors, including inadequate light, insufficient water, or a lack of nutrients. To ensure healthy growth after separation, follow these guidelines: