Do Air Plants Need Fertilizer - How To Fertilize Air Plants

While fertilizer is not necessary for your air plants to survive, itdoes help them thrive and encourages growth, bloom cycle, and offset (pup) production. We like to use a low-nitrogen bromeliad fertilizer.

How do you fertilize air plants?

To fertilize air plants, use an air plant-specific fertilizer or a bromeliad fertilizer a few times a year. Another option is to use a regular, water soluble houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 of the recommended strength.

Do air plants need fertilizing?

Fertilizing your plants is not necessary, but will keep them in top shape and should promote blooming and reproduction. We recommend using our Grow More Air Plants and Bromeliad Fertilizer once per month.

How often should you fertilize air plants?

Fertilize your air plants 1-2 times a month from March to November when the air plants are not blooming. Avoid fertilizing your air plants from when the plants begin budding to when the plans is done blooming to make the blossoms last longer.

Can I use Miracle Grow on air plants?

Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for bromeliads or air plants once a month, or dilute Miracle-Grow or similar water soluble plant foods to 1/4 strength. Add the fertilizer water to a spray bottle, and mist thoroughly with the food water once a month.

What does an overwatered air plant look like?

Sign of over-watering

It is the most common reason why they die. So if you see that their bases start to turn dark then the leaves fall out from the middle or if they have mushy roots, and yellowing leaves, it is necessary to take immediate actions to prevent any permanent damage that may occur.

How long can air plants go without water?

How much water do they need? Tillandsias are really resistant plants that can survive for long periods without water but that doesn't mean they don't need it. If you forget to spray them for more than two weeks it will be possible to save it with water and love.

Do air plants grow bigger?

After the first few years they start to get growing a little faster as they get larger sized. While seed grown plants do grow much slower, they tend to be bigger and better specimens than plants grown as offset. ... It can take years for a small air plant to grow and eventually bloom, so patience is key!

What is the best fertilizer for air plants?

Low-nitrogen fertilizers are best for air plants because it helps encourage blooming and offset production in Tillandsia. It's also very important to use a non-urea-based nitrogen fertilizer, as this will provide nitrogen that is usable for Tillandsia.

Can you water air plants with tap water?

Air plants aren't too picky when it comes to water, and most tap water is just fine, but it depends on the water quality in your area. The best water to use: rain water, aquarium water, or pond water because these are more rich in nutrients (note: if using one of these waters, don't add any additional fertilizer).

Why is my air plant turning red?

When an air plant changes color it means that the plant is maturing and about to bloom. These plants are known to die after they bloom but not before they produce offsprings also known as pups. So, in a way a few days after the plant changes color and blooms there are chances that they will die soon.

How do you water air plants that are glued?

The best way to water glued air plants is to try to soften the glue and take the plant out. You can also dunk the glued air plant and make sure it's dry within 3-4 hours. You can try taking out your air plant by soaking the base (not too much) and wiggling it, and hopefully over time, it can separate from glue.

Can air plants survive in low light?

Add natural beauty to your home or office with air plants! These low light, indoor plants don't need soil to grow, so they can flourish in many different environments. Additionally, they only need watering about once a week, making them the lowest-maintenance plants available!

Do air plants need sunlight?

In order to thrive, air plants need bright, indirect light. Rooms with southern or eastern facing windows make good candidates, because these spaces will be brightly illuminated with sun for most of the day. ... Full spectrum (fluorescent) light is a must.

Why did my air plant fell apart?

Most of the time rot is caused by over watering and staying wet/damp for prolonged periods of time allowing fungus and bad bacteria to take hold and damage the plant. ...

Where do you put air plants?

Placement within 1 to 3 feet of an east- or west-facing window, or within a foot or two of an artificial light source is ideal. If you keep them well watered, they can have hotter, more direct sun and longer exposure. Avoid dimly lit locations. Air plants do best with at least a few hours of bright, indirect sun daily.

How do you revive air plants?

You can revive a dry air plant by soaking it in water for 5-8 hours. Shake off any extra water after the soak and let your air plant dry within 4 hours of watering. Repeat the long soaking every 2-3 days until the plant does not look dry anymore.

Why is my air plant curling?

Signs of not enough water include curling leaves, and drying tips, while signs of too much watering could be some browning (rotting) on the bottom base of the plant. ... Let your plant fully dry before placing it back in its usual spot. From there try adding in an extra soaking or some mistings into your watering routine.

Do you soak air plants upside down?

It is very important to lay your air plants out on a dish towel on their side or upside down to let them dry completely. This is especially important for the larger species like Xerographica, Streptophylla, and Sparkler. They should be fully dry to the touch within 2 hours after their bath.

Which air plants should not be soaked?

The T. pruinosa, and T. seleriana both have ample trichomes which is another reason why they shouldn't be soaked. Soaking might cause them to rot due to too much water.

How often should I spray my air plant?

How often to mist air plants? In this case, mist the plants 3 to 7 times a week, depending how dry your home air is and what time of year. Summertime plants need more water while they can sustain on less in winter.

Are air plants supposed to feel dry?

Plants should be given enough light and air circulation to dry no longer than 4 hours after watering. ... You will know if your plants are not getting enough water as the leaves will start to unnaturally curve and they will feel dry to the touch.