Can Air Plants Survive In Low Light?

Are you a plant lover curious about air plants’ ability to survive in low light environments? Perhaps you live in a dimly lit apartment or want to incorporate air plants into a room with limited sunlight. You may wonder if air plants are the right choice for these spaces.

Air plants can survive in low light, but they will not thrive and may exhibit signs of poor health if they do not receive enough light. Choosing the right species, providing proper care, and considering creative display options are important to help them survive and flourish in low light conditions.

In this article, we will explore the question of can air plants survive in low light environments and provide tips for caring for them in these conditions. So, let’s dive in and find out if air plants can thrive in low light.

What Is A Low Light Environment For Air Plants?

When it comes to growing plants, light is essential to their growth and development. Low light environments are areas where natural light is inadequate for most plant species to survive and thrive.

These environments are found in various locations, including shadowy corners of a room, basements, and rooms with few windows. Low light environments typically have the following characteristics:

• Less than four hours of direct sunlight per day
• A lack of intense, bright light
• Dull or muted lighting
• Little to no natural light source

Can Air Plants Survive In Low Light?

Air plants have varying tolerance levels to low light conditions depending on their species and growing conditions. Some air plants, like the Tillandsia Cyanea, tolerate lower light levels than other species, like Tillandsia Xerographica, requiring more intense light to thrive.

In general, air plants adapted to low light conditions have thinner leaves, smaller sizes, and a higher number of trichomes (tiny scales) on their leaves that help them absorb water and nutrients from the air. These adaptations allow air plants to survive in low light environments but will grow more slowly than in brighter conditions.

Air plants stretch their leaves towards the light source in low light conditions to capture as much light as possible. This causes the leaves to become elongated, which affects the plant’s appearance. Despite surviving in low light, air plants will not thrive or produce as much growth, flowers, or offspring without adequate light.

How Different Species Of Air Plants Tolerate Low Light, And How To Take Care Of Them

Air plants come in various species, each with unique characteristics and requirements for survival in low light environments. Understanding how different species tolerate low light and how to care for them ensures your air plants thrive in their new home.

Tillandsia Ionantha

• Characteristics And Appearance: Small and compact plant with thin, spiky leaves that come in shades of green, red, and purple.
• Level Of Tolerance To Low Light: Moderately tolerant to low light, survive in areas with low to medium light levels.
• Care Tips For Tillandsia Ionantha In Low Light: Keep in a bright but indirect light source once a week by soaking in water for 20-30 minutes.

Tillandsia Cyanea

• Characteristics And Appearance: A long, slender stem with multiple curly green leaves and a pink or purple blush near the base.
• Level Of Tolerance To Low Light: Moderately tolerant to low light, survive in areas with low to medium light levels.
• Care Tips For Tillandsia Cyanea In Low Light: Keep in a bright but indirect light source once a week by soaking in water for 20-30 minutes.

Tillandsia Harrisii

• Characteristics And Appearance: Tillandsia Harrisii has long, silver-green leaves that curl and twist around each other, forming a rosette shape.
• Level Of Tolerance To Low Light: Highly tolerant to low light, can survive in areas with very low light levels.
• Care Tips For Tillandsia Harrisii In Low Light: Can be placed in a low light area, water once a week by misting or soaking in water for 20-30 minutes.

Tillandsia Caput-Medusae

• Characteristics And Appearance: Has long, curly leaves that form a rosette shape with a bulbous base that resembles a jellyfish head.
• Level Of Tolerance To Low Light: Highly tolerant to low light, survive in areas with very low light levels.
• Care Tips For Tillandsia Caput-Medusae In Low Light: It Can be placed in a low light area once a week by misting or soaking in water for 20-30 minutes.

The Signs Of Unhealthy Air Plants In Low Light

Air plants that are not thriving in low light conditions exhibit several signs of poor health. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Brown Or Black Leaves: Air plants receiving too little light develops brown or black leaves. This is a sign of dehydration or sunburn. It is important to ensure the plant gets enough water and light and to avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
• Stunted Growth: Air plants not receiving enough light may also exhibit stunted growth. This is a sign that the plant is not getting enough energy to grow and develop properly.
• Yellowing Leaves: Another sign of unhealthy air plants in low light is yellowing leaves. This indicates the plant does not receive enough light to produce the chlorophyll needed for healthy growth.
• Lack Of Bloom: Air plants not receiving enough light also fail to bloom. This is a sign that the plant is not getting enough energy to produce flowers.

How To Care For Air Plants In Low Light

While air plants survive in low light environments, they still require some amount of light to thrive. The following are some tips on how to care for air plants in low light:

Positioning Of Air Plants

When positioning air plants in a low light environment, choosing a spot that receives some natural light, such as near a window that receives filtered light, is important. Avoid placing air plants in completely dark areas, as this leads to poor growth and even death.

Supplemental Light Sources

You can supplement natural light with artificial light sources if it is limited. LED grow lights are an excellent option as they provide the full spectrum of light that plants need. Place the lights about 6-12 inches away from the air plants and run them for 12-16 hours daily.

Watering And Fertilizing Air Plants In Low Light

Air plants grow more slowly in low light conditions, requiring less water and fertilizer. Water the air plants once a week by soaking them in a bowl of room-temperature water for 30 minutes. After soaking, shake off excess water and turn the dry plant upside down before placing it back in its spot. Fertilize the plants once a month using a diluted fertilizer solution.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Caring For Air Plants In Low Light

While air plants can be relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, there are some common mistakes to avoid when caring for them in low light environments. We will highlight them below:

• Overwatering: One of the most common mistakes is overwatering air plants, especially in low light environments. Overwatering cause the plant to rot and die. It’s important to only water air plants once a week and to ensure they are completely dry before watering again.
• Underwatering: On the other hand, underwatering is a problem too. Air plants need water to survive, even in low light environments. It’s important to ensure that the plant is getting enough water by misting or soaking in water for 20-30 minutes once a week.
• Placing Air Plants In Completely Dark Areas: While air plants tolerate low light, they need light to survive. Placing air plants in completely dark areas causes the plant to die. It’s important to ensure that the plant still receives some natural or artificial light, even if it’s low.
• Using The Wrong Type Of Fertilizer: Air plants don’t need as much fertilizer as other plants. Using the wrong fertilizer or too much damages the plant. It’s important to use a fertilizer designed for air plants and follow the instructions carefully.

Final Words

We hope after reading this article, it is clear to you can air plants survive in low light. Air plants survive in low light environments, but choosing the right species and providing them with the proper care is important. There are several air plant species, such as Tillandsia Ionantha, Tillandsia Cyanea, Tillandsia Harrisii, and Tillandsia Caput-Medusae, that can thrive in low light environments with varying levels of tolerance. 

However, avoiding common mistakes such as overwatering, underwatering, placing air plants in completely dark areas, and using the wrong type of fertilizer is important. With proper care and attention, air plants can survive and thrive in low light environments, adding beauty and interest to any space.