Naturally beguiling and low-maintenance, air plants offer a modern spin on greening your interiors
With their almost otherworldly allure, air plants are the perfect subject to inspire your creativity. Almost any object or surface can be the medium to display these exotic botanicals. “Air plants are low-maintenance and do not require soil to grow, absorbing all their water and nutrients through their leaf system," shares Cape Town-based botanist Marissa Pretorius of Opus Studio discusses air-plant facts and care tips. "This makes them versatile for decorating in most environments.”
These plants are part of the bromeliad family and originate mostly from South America. Scientifically classified as Tillandsias, there are over 550 species of air plants. According to Pretorius, placing air plants in a vessel with a small amount of water will allow them to produce their own moisture.
“Make sure your chosen container is not sealed as they need circulating air to survive," she advises. “If the colour of your air plant looks a tad grey, a light misting with water from a spray bottle will soon restore its lush green hue.”
If your air plant is looking especially poorly and dry, give it an overnight soak. Shake it off properly so it doesn’t retain too much water, which can cause rot. These plants also benefit from being dunked in room-temperature tap water for about 30 minutes every third week. Once they’ve enjoyed a good soak, let them dry in a high-light environment.
Seek out inspiring ways to display these sturdy plants with these ideas below: