How To Care For Air Plants Outside: Dos and Don’ts
Outdoor gardening can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience. It allows you to connect with nature, get some fresh air, and add a touch of greenery to your surroundings.
While many gardeners focus on traditional plants that require soil and constant watering, another type of plant is gaining popularity for its unique appearance and minimal care requirements – air plants!
These fascinating plants don’t require soil and can be placed in various outdoor settings, from terrariums to hanging planters. However, caring for air plants outdoors can differ slightly from caring for them indoors.
So, how to care for air plants outside? To care for air plants outside, you’ll need to water them regularly, provide indirect sunlight, and fertilize them every two to four weeks.
In this guide, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for caring for air plants outside so that you can enjoy their beauty and benefits all year round.
What are Air Plants, and How Do They Grow?
Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are unique and fascinating plants that belong to the bromeliad family. Unlike other plants, they do not require soil to grow and absorb nutrients and moisture through their leaves. Air plants can grow in various environments, including tropical and arid climates.
They prefer bright, indirect light and require at least 1–3 hours of light per day. Temperatures between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal, and they can tolerate both dry and humid environments.
Air plants should be watered by soaking them in water for a few minutes once a week, and excess water should be shaken off to prevent rot. They can bloom properly and make great houseplants in glass vessels or mounted on a tree or wall.
Can An Air Plant Survive Outside?
Yes, air plants can survive outside if they are in a suitable location with the right amount of light and moisture. Air plants, also known as bromeliads, are tropical plants that can thrive in bright light but should be protected from direct sunlight for extended periods.
These plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit, and do well in humid environments. However, excess water can harm air plants, so avoiding leaving them in standing water and misting them occasionally is essential.
Rainwater or filtered tap water is ideal for watering air plants. In the summer, air plants can bloom if given the right conditions. Overall, the location and climate are essential factors in ensuring the survival and health of air plants.
How To Care For Air Plants Outside
Air plants are unique plants that can thrive without soil. These plants absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, making them great for outdoor gardens or living spaces. Here are some tips and tricks for caring for air plants outside:
1. Location and Climate
Air plants are tropical plants that prefer a humid environment. When selecting a spot for your air plants, choose a location that provides adequate sunlight and protection from strong winds. Air plants can thrive in a microclimate created by the surrounding environment, such as the trunk of a tree.
2. Light
Air plants require adequate light to survive. They can tolerate both direct and indirect light, but direct sunlight for extended periods can cause the leaves to burn. Aim for 1–3 hours of direct sunlight or 6–12 hours of indirect light daily. Artificial light can supplement natural light if you are growing air plants indoors.
3. Temperature
Air plants thrive in temperatures between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can tolerate various temperatures, but extremes can damage or kill the plant. If you live in a hotter climate, consider providing your air plants with shade during the hottest day.
4. Moisture
Air plants require moisture to thrive, but excess water can harm their health. Avoid tap water on your air plants, as the minerals can build up on the leaves and cause damage. Instead, use rainwater or distilled water. Mist your air plants with water 2–3 times per week or soak them in water for 15–30 minutes once a week. After soaking, shake off excess water and let them dry upside down before returning them to their spot.
5. Leaves
The leaves of air plants can indicate the plant’s health. Brown leaves can be a sign of overwatering or under watering, while fuzzy or tentacle-like leaves can indicate a lack of moisture. The color of air plant leaves can also change depending on the light they receive. Adequate light will produce bright green leaves, while lower light can result in darker or more muted colors.
However, while gardening air plants outside, you should consider whether the plants are suitable for pets. This is because some plants may contagious for pets.
Caring for Air Plants Outside: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Air plants are fascinating plants that can survive without soil, making them great indoor and outdoor plants. Caring for air plants outside requires specific attention to ensure their survival and growth. However, there are common mistakes that many people make when caring for air plants outside. Here are some of the mistakes to avoid:
Exposing Air Plants To Direct Sunlight
Air plants require adequate light to survive, but exposure to direct sunlight can harm them. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, resulting in brown, dry, or crispy leaves. Therefore, you should place air plants where they can receive indirect or bright, filtered light.
Overwatering Or Under Watering Air Plants
Air plants require moderate moisture to survive, but excess water can cause root rot and ultimately lead to the plant’s death. On the other hand, under-watering air plants can cause them to dry out, resulting in brown or crispy leaves. To prevent this, mist the plants with water a few times a week, or soak them in water for 10–20 minutes every two weeks. Also, avoid tap water, as the chemicals and minerals can harm the plant.
Placing Air Plants In Unsuitable Environments
Air plants are tropical plants that require a humid environment to survive. Therefore, placing them in an environment with adequate humidity is essential. Placing air plants in a dry or cold environment can lead to their death.
Failing To Find The Ideal Spot For Air Plants
When placing air plants outside, finding the perfect spot for them is essential. Ideally, the spot should be shaded with filtered or indirect light. As mentioned earlier, placing air plants in a spot with direct sunlight can harm them.
Failing To Consider The Climate
Different air plants thrive in various climates. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the climate in your location when choosing air plants. Hotter climates require air plants that can tolerate direct sunlight, while humid climates require air plants that can tolerate excess moisture.
Displaying and Decorating with Air Plants Outside
Air plants are low-maintenance plants that don’t need soil to grow. This makes them perfect for displaying and decorating outside. Here are some tips for displaying and decorating with air plants outside.
Selecting the Right Air Plants
When selecting air plants for outdoor display, choosing the right species to tolerate the elements is important. Some air plants are more sensitive to sunlight and wind, while others are more resilient. Make sure to research which species best suit your climate and outdoor environment.
Creating Outdoor Displays
Air plants can be displayed in various ways outside. One popular method is to hang them from trees, fences, or other structures using fishing lines or clear wire. Another option is to place them in decorative containers or planters, such as terrariums, driftwood, or seashells.
If you’re using containers, ensure they have proper drainage to prevent water from pooling and to damage the plant. Avoid placing air plants in direct sunlight or areas with extreme temperatures, as they prefer indirect or filtered light.
Decorating with Air Plants
Air plants can create beautiful and unique outdoor decorations. Here are some ideas:
- Wall Art: Attach air plants to a wooden frame or canvas to create living wall art. This can be hung on a fence or outside wall to add a natural touch to your outdoor space.
- Centerpieces: Create a stunning centerpiece for your outdoor table by arranging air plants in a decorative bowl or tray with other natural elements, such as stones, driftwood, or shells.
- Living Wreaths: Use wire or grapevine frames to create a living wreath with air plants. To create a unique look, you can add other decorative elements, such as moss, flowers, or feathers.
- Terrariums: Create a mini outdoor oasis by placing air plants in a terrarium with other natural elements, such as sand, pebbles, and shells. These plants can be placed on a table or hung from a tree to add a touch of greenery to your outdoor space.
Final Words
Caring for air plants outside requires some effort and dedication, but the reward of having healthy and vibrant air plants is worth it. By following the simple steps discussed above on how to care for air plants outside, such as providing water, light, and protection from the elements, you can ensure your air plants stay healthy and happy.
However, you should also check your air plants regularly to ensure they are in good condition. With the right care and maintenance, your outdoor air plants can live for many years, bringing a beautiful, natural touch to your outdoor living space.