Airplants

Light Requirements
- Bright, Indirect Light: Air plants prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near a bright window, but avoid direct sunlight, which can dry them out or scorch their leaves.
- Artificial Light: Air plants can also thrive under fluorescent or full-spectrum grow lights if natural light is limited. Ensure they receive about 12 hours of light daily.

Watering
- Soaking Method: Water air plants by soaking them in room-temperature water for 20-30 minutes about once a week. In drier environments, soak them 2-3 times per week.
- Misting: Between soaks, you can mist the plants lightly 2-3 times a week to maintain humidity. Ensure they don’t remain too wet, as this can lead to rot.
- Drying: After soaking or misting, shake off excess water and allow them to dry upside down or on a well-ventilated surface to prevent water from pooling at the base, which can cause rot.
- Filtered or Rainwater: Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater for watering. Tap water with chemicals like chlorine and fluoride can damage the plant.

Humidity
- Moderate to High Humidity: Air plants love humid environments. If your home is dry (especially in winter), increase humidity around the plant by misting more often or placing them near a humidifier.

Temperature
- Warm Temperatures: Air plants thrive in temperatures between 50-90°F. Avoid cold drafts, freezing temperatures, or placing them near air conditioning vents or heaters.

Fertilization
- Air Plant Fertilizer: Feed air plants with a specific air plant or bromeliad fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). You can mix the fertilizer into the water when soaking the plants.
- Avoid Overfertilizing: Too much fertilizer can burn the plant, so it’s important to use it sparingly.

Air Circulation 
- Good Airflow: Air plants need good air circulation to thrive. Keep them in a well-ventilated area and avoid placing them in enclosed containers for long periods.
- Outdoor Air: If you live in a warm climate, air plants can be placed outdoors in a shaded, sheltered location for better airflow, but be sure to protect them from harsh weather conditions.

Mounting
- Creative Placement: Since air plants don’t need soil, they can be placed in a variety of creative displays. Mount them on driftwood, place them in glass terrariums, hang them in wire holders, or display them in shallow dishes. Ensure they are not placed in a way that water will pool around them.
- No Glue: Avoid using glue that can damage the plant when attaching them to surfaces. If mounting, try wire or fishing line instead.

Pruning
- Remove Dead Leaves: Occasionally, the lower leaves of air plants may dry out and turn brown. Gently pull or trim them off to maintain the plant’s appearance.
- Flowering: Air plants bloom once in their lifetime, producing vibrant flowers. After flowering, the plant may start to die back, but it will often produce offsets (pups) that can grow into new plants.

Propagation
- Pups: After flowering, air plants produce small pups at their base. Once these pups are about a third the size of the parent plant, you can gently separate them and grow them on their own.
- Cluster Growth: If you prefer a fuller look, you can leave the pups attached, and they will grow into a clump of plants.

Common Issues

- Drying Out: If the plant’s leaves curl or turn brown, it may not be getting enough water or humidity. Increase the frequency of soaking and misting.
- Rot: If the plant turns mushy or discolored, it may be rotting due to overwatering or poor air circulation. Ensure you allow it to dry completely after watering.
- Bleached Leaves: Leaves that turn pale or bleached indicate too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a location with more indirect light.

Toxicity

- Pet-Safe: Air plants are non-toxic to pets and humans, making them a great option for households with animals or small children.