Tillandsia varieties sold as houseplants are epiphytic or lithophytic bromeliads from varied habitats. Like most bromeliads, they are resilient and adaptable. Native to the southern United States, Central and South America, these plants have a limited root system and would, in their natural habitats, receive water and nutrition from the air around them through specially-adapted, scaly structures on their leaves.

If you are not sure about the native habitat of your air plant, you should ask the at the shop where you make your purchase. Alternatively, you can make a good guess based on the  color and texture of most common air plants. An air plant from a humid, tropical habitat will be darker green, less scaly (or hairy) and is likely to have curved leaf structures. Air plants with silver-green, scaly (or fuzzy) and flatter leaves are probably from a dry environment. There are also air plants that fall in between, with light green, slightly fuzzy leaves or characteristics from both ends of the spectrum.

Most air plants have very limited root systems and absorb water through their leaves. Water them once or twice per week by immersion in tepid water.  If you have an air plant from a dry region (with silver, fuzzy leaves), you can dunk the plant rather than soaking it as it needs less water. Greener plants from tropical habitats will need to soak for ten to twenty minutes.  Adjust watering to reflect the heat and light conditions of the season and your home. All Tillandsia will rot if over-watered.

Your air plant will survive most successfully if you are also careful about the type of water you use. Distilled water is preferable as tap water will gradually overwhelm your plant with mineral salts. Distilled water will, however, gradually leach nutrients from the plant as it soaks so adding a little fertilizer to the water helps.

Do not allow the plant to remain soggy or sit in a puddle of water. You should let the plant air dry after watering in a spot with good air circulation where it will dry out within four hours. Mist the plant to boost humidity occasionally, but as a supplement not a replacement for watering. A tropical air plant will benefit from the added humidity.

 Read more about caring for your air plant in our Guide to Air Plants.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service