Where to Buy Air Plants: The Best Online Stores and Local Shops

Air plants, also known as tillandsias, have surged in popularity over the last decade. Their low maintenance care and endless decor possibilities make them a top choice for plant lovers. But with so many varieties and special growing needs, finding reputable sellers of healthy air plants can be a challenge. This guide will overview the best places to buy air plants online and local options near you.

Buying Air Plants Online

Ordering air plants online provides convenient access to rare varieties you won’t find locally, Reputable online sellers offer

• Wide selections – Up to 100+ air plant types and sizes from tiny ionanthas to giant xerographicas

• Specialty options – Unique air plant terrariums, wood mounts, driftwood displays.

• Wholesale pricing – Bulk discounts for 10, 20 or 30+ plant purchases.

• Fast shipping – From small $5 flat rate boxes to priority 2-3 day shipping.

• Healthy plants – Established sellers provide pest-free, nursery-grown plants.

• Guarantees – Return policies if plants arrive damaged or unhealthy.

Recommended Online Air Plant Stores

Here are the top online shops for buying air plants in the US:

• Air Plant Supply Co. – The largest online selection of air plants and displays. Wholesale prices and sustainable farming.

• Air Plant City – Big variety of small air plants perfect for terrariums. Low wholesale minimums.

• Glass Box Tropicals – Great for air plant gifts like mini terrariums and wood displays.

• The Air Plant Shop – Rare selections like monstrose and crested air plant curiosities.

• The Sill – Trendy ceramic planters and terrariums alongside classic air plant varieties.

What to Look for When Buying Air Plants Online

Follow these tips for finding healthy air plants from web stores:

• Read reviews – Check independent review sites like TrustPilot for unbiased buyer feedback.

• Inspect photos – Photos should show vibrant green foliage without brown tips or curled leaves.

• Seek nursery-grown – Opt for sellers who nursery propagate plants vs wild-harvested.

• Ask about sourcing – Legitimate sellers share details about where and how plants are ethically sourced.

• Review guarantees – Seller should replace plants that arrive damaged or distressed.

• Look for signs of bloom – Flower spikes indicate maturity and good growing conditions.

Buying from reputable online air plant stores ensures you receive healthy, pest-free plants that will thrive with proper care.

Finding Air Plants Locally

Searching locally for air plants allows you to hand select plants in person versus buying sight unseen online. Local shops to find air plants include:

Independent Plant Stores

Local plant stores and nurseries may carry a few air plant varieties alongside houseplants and outdoor greenery. Check stores with “plant” or “greenery” in the name. Call ahead to ask if they stock air plants before visiting.

Some larger metro areas have air plant specialty boutiques. Here in Austin, Texas we have The Air Plant Store which carries 100+ air plant types. Search Google Maps for “air plants near me” to locate boutiques in your state.

Florists

Many florists incorporate air plants into floral arrangements which they purchase wholesale. Ask if they have extra inventory for retail sale. Selection is limited but great to find common green varieties like ionantha and xerographica.

Home Decor Stores

Big box stores like Target, Michaels and At Home carry a small selection of trendy air plants mounted on driftwood, inside terrariums, or potted in planters. While convenient, their plants are often overpriced for the small size.

Garden Centers

Some independent garden centers stock air plants but most sell outdoors varieties versus tropical air plants. Check specialty stores focused on indoor plants and terrariums.

Things to Look Out for When Buying Locally

While seeing plants in person has advantages, there are a few risks to watch for when buying air plants locally:

• Limited selection – Most local stores have less than a dozen varieties. Rare finds but heavy on common ionanthas.

• Unknown growing conditions – Can’t confirm if plants were nursery propagated or wild harvested.

• Overwatered plants – Without proper drying, rot is common. Inspect for blackened, mushy bases.

• Hidden pests – Hard to spot mites, scale and mealybugs on densely packed plants. Quarantine new plants.

• Short return periods – Verify if plants can be returned and how long you have.

Buying locally requires extra care inspecting plants for health before purchasing. But you can uncover some gems not available online.

Buying Air Plants on Vacation

When traveling to tropical regions, you can purchase air plants straight from local growers. Popular places include:

• Florida – Many nurseries grow and sell air plants in the Miami area.

• Hawaii – Find exotic Hawaiian varieties like tillandsia grandis.

• Costa Rica – Air plants grow wild providing sustainable harvesting.

• Mexico – Diverse species grow across central and coastal regions.

Vacation air plant shopping allows you to buy plants perfectly adapted to the warm, humid climate where they naturally occur. Just be sure to follow import regulations if mailing plants home.

What to Avoid When Buying Air Plants

Wherever you buy air plants, avoid:

• Plants heavily glued or wired into displays – Makes inspecting health and pests difficult.

• Bargain bulk bins – Cheap loose plants are often damaged rejects.

• Plants showing signs of distress – Yellowed or curled leaves and tips.

• Plants lacking roots – Essential for absorbing water and nutrients.

Stick with established sellers providing photos of each plant. It’s worth paying a little extra for healthy, nursery-raised air plants that will thrive in your home.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Air Plants

Don’t be afraid to ask questions before purchasing air plants:

• Where do your air plants come from? (Ideal answer is nursery propagated)

• How often do you get new inventory in? (Old plants may be neglected)

• How do you care for the air plants here? (Look for watering without getting leaves wet)

• Do you treat plants with any chemicals? (Insecticides may still be present)

• What is your policy if I receive damaged or unhealthy plants? (Returns)

Informed sellers will happily answer questions and make recommendations for beginner-friendly varieties. Doing research prepares you to find the best air plants.

Caring for Store Bought Air Plants

After buying new air plants:

• Quarantine – Isolate new plants for 1-2 weeks to watch for pests.

• Water carefully – Soak upside down to avoid getting leaves wet until adjusted.

• Wait to fertilize – Don’t feed stressed plants; let adjust to your home first.

• Provide bright, indirect light – Slowly transition plants from lower retail light.

• Allow proper air circulation – Prevent mold and rot with moving air.

Following tips from reputable air plant care guides will help new plants transition and thrive. Find detailed care instructions here.

Create Your Air Plant Collection