Air Plants 101: What They Are, Why They're Cool, and How to Keep Them Happy

If you’ve ever seen a plant seemingly floating in a glass orb, perched on driftwood, or chilling in a seashell with no soil in sight, you’ve probably met an air plant. These quirky little guys, officially called Tillandsia, are part of the bromeliad family and are as low-maintenance as they are cool-looking.

They're called “air plants” because they don’t grow in soil—instead, they absorb water and nutrients through their leaves from the air around them. Basically, they’re living proof that plants don’t always have to play by the rules. And we always have a great selection of air plants in the shop. Come check ’em out!

So, What Exactly Is an Air Plant?

Tillandsia species come from warm, humid environments like the forests and mountains of Central and South America. In the wild, they cling to trees, rocks, and even telephone wires, happily growing without ever touching soil. Their roots are more for anchoring than feeding—so when you bring them indoors, all they really need is a cozy spot and a bit of TLC.

How to Care for Air Plants Indoors

Light. Bright, indirect light is best. A sunny windowsill (out of direct rays) or a spot near a bright window works great. Fluorescent lights also do the trick if you're in a lower-light space.

Water. Here's where it gets a little different. Instead of watering soil, you water the plant itself. Every 10 to 14 days, soak your air plant in room-temperature water for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, shake off excess water and let it dry upside down or on a towel to avoid rot. In between soakings, mist it lightly if your home is dry.

Airflow. Good air circulation is key. They like to breathe! Avoid stuffing them into enclosed containers without ventilation.

Fertilizer (Optional, but They’ll Love You for It). Use a bromeliad or air plant-specific fertilizer monthly to keep them thriving and encourage blooming. We swear by TillyBoost and carry it in the shop.

Bonus: Why You'll Love Them

• No dirt, no mess

• Perfect for small spaces and creative displays

• Pet-safe and non-toxic

• Super cute and easy to decorate with

Whether you hang them in a shell, nestle them in a terrarium, or tuck them into a mini macrame hanger, air plants bring a little whimsy and wild beauty into your space with very little effort.

So go ahead—invite a few air plants into your home. They won’t hog the windowsill or complain about being forgotten now and then. Just a splash of water, a sunny perch, and they’re living their best plant life—no soil required.

Get Crafty with Air Plants

If you're ready to flex your creativity, join us on Thursday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Barrel 33 for our Terrarium Seascape Workshop. Relive your beach vacation by creating a unique terrarium, featuring driftwood, sand, shells, and an air plant. All supplies are included with your registration, and guests get a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or nonalchoholic beverage as well as a 10% discount on additional food or drinks purchased that evening.