Air Plants

What's an air plant?

An air plant—botanical name Tillandsia—is a type of epiphytic bromeliad that derives moisture and nutrients from the air rather than from soil. Native to forests, mountains, and deserts throughout the Americas, air plants cling to tree branches, rocks, or other surfaces with tiny, non-parasitic “roots” that simply anchor them in place. Their silvery or green, scale-covered leaves capture water and minerals from rain, mist, and humidity, making them remarkably low-maintenance. Because they don’t require potting soil, air plants can be displayed almost anywhere—mounted on driftwood, nestled in open glass terrariums, or simply set on a shelf—adding a sculptural, living accent to any space.

If you haven't already purchased one of our air plants, come check us out at one of our in-person events!

Honeypot Acres Farm Air Plant Care Guide

Thank you for choosing an air plant from Honeypot Acres Farm. Follow these professional care instructions to ensure your Tillandsia thrives.

While periodic soaks can give air plants a deeper drink, many Tillandsias do very well with a regular misting routine—especially in homes with moderate humidity.

These instructions contain Amazon affiliate links for air plant supplies. We earn a commission on any sales through these links.

1. Location & Light

• Bright, Indirect Light:
  
  

  • Place your air plant 2–3 ft from an east- or west-facing window.
    
    

  • Shield it from harsh midday rays to prevent leaf scorch.
    
    

2. Misting Routine

• Daily to Every-Other-Day Misting:
  
  

  • Use a fine-mist spray bottle.
    
    

  • Thoroughly mist all surfaces of the leaves until they glisten.
    
    

  • Aim for 1–2 seconds of mist or until the foliage feels lightly damp.
    
    

• Ensure Full Drying:
  
  

  • After misting, allow 1–2 hours of good air circulation so leaves dry completely—this prevents rot.
    
    

Tip: If your home is very dry (below ~40 % relative humidity), mist twice daily or add a weekly 10-minute soak.

3. Airflow & Environment

• Ventilation: Keep plants in an open spot—avoid sealed terrariums or containers without airflow.
  
  

• Temperature: Comfortable indoor range (50–90 °F / 10–32 °C) is ideal.
  
  

4. Occasional Feeding

• Monthly Foliar “Feed”:
  
  

  • Mix a quarter-strength air-plant fertilizer (affiliate link) into your misting water once a month.
    
    

  • Mist as usual; no separate soak needed.
    
    

5. Monitoring & Maintenance

• Leaf Condition:
  
  

  • Healthy: Slightly stiff, vibrant green or silver-green.
    
    

  • Under-misted: Leaves curl upward or inward.
    
    

  • Over-misted: Base feels soft, leaves turn brown or black.
    
    

• Grooming: Trim any brown tips with clean scissors.
  
  

• Pups (Offsets): When baby plants reach about one-third the parent’s size, gently separate and care for them the same way.
  
  

With this misting-first approach, your air plant from Honeypot Acres Farm should flourish with minimal fuss. If you notice signs of dehydration (persistent leaf curl) or over-moisture (blackened bases), simply adjust your mist frequency or add a brief soak once a week. Enjoy your Tillandsia!