Look out for ingredients such as boron, zinc, or urea-nitrogen as these elements are considered harmful to air plants. Just make sure that your fertilizer does contain nitrogen in a usable form. Our fertilizer is formulated specifically for air plants and comes ready to use in a handy spray bottle!
Always use a gentle touch when handling these delicate little plants. While many plants can handle being, well, man handled, air plants cannot. Touch them as little as possible, and when you do be sure not to crush or bend any of their parts.
Why is copper bad for air plants? Copper wire or accessories can be toxic to air plants, especially when the copper is repeatedly exposed to moisture, which increases the coppers reactivity with the environment. The oxidation of the soft metal halts the uptake of nutrients and creates deficiencies for plants.
Tillandsia, aka air plants, are non toxic to dogs and cats. So if your cat is a little too fond of nibbling on your air plants leaves, don't worry! Your kitty should be just fine. ( Your air plant may need a little TLC afterwards though) If you do notice that your plant has been nibbled on, don't give up hope!
Air plants can die from being over-watered, too. Plants should be fully dried before being soaked in water again. Your plant can also rot from moisture if returned to an enclosed space before they fully dry, but avoiding these things will keep your plant healthy!
Reviving a Dying Air Plant
Switch to rainwater or unchlorinated water. Move the plant to a well-lit place away from direct sunlight if you suspect lighting issues. Finally, spray the plants with Tillandsia fertilizer to provide nutrients and allow the plant to thrive.
If the center leaves are falling out, or the base of the plant begins to turn black or brown, this is a sign that it's beginning to rot from too much water.
No matter whether a variety is fuzzy, furry, spiky or trailing, it's irresistible. Air plants are usually tiny, easy to grow, and they don't need soil. As the name implies, air plants absorb nutrients and water from the air through scales on their leaves.
The most dangerous plant is the lily - all parts are toxic. However, there are other plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, that can be harmful to cats.
Basil and herbs like parsley, thyme, cilantro, and mint are ok for dogs and cats. Of course, there are always some exceptions. Cocoa and chocolate are well-known, but be aware that garlic, onion, grapes, raisins, and large amounts of rosemary and lavender are also toxic to dogs.
Roots: Air plants anchor themselves to objects by their roots and need to be attached to something in order to grow.
Avoid the use of copper wire, copper plant holders or pressure-treated lumber. (Pressure treated wood contains chemicals including copper.) Before using any fertilizer on your air plants, make sure that it is specifically formulated for use on bromeliads or Tillandsia plants.
The copper conducts low-level electrical currents which are said to enliven the soil and stimulate plant growth. It is said to reduce the need for fertilizers and toxic pesticides. And, if you're growing vegetables or fruits, electroculture practitioners say you'll be amazed at the increased yields.
A light application of water, such as misting, will not fully absorb through the plant's leaves and the water will most likely evaporate before it can nourish the plant. A deeper, more thorough method of dunking or soaking is recommended for most plants every week to ten days to ensure proper hydration.
Grow air plants in bright but indirect light, such as near a window. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause their leaves to burn. Air plants require temperatures between 10-32°C and moderate humidity levels, around 40-60 percent, making them ideal for growing in terrariums and bathrooms.
Air plants require a precise watering schedule for optimal growth and blooming. Overwatering can cause fungus rot and fall apart, while underwatering can cause foliage curling and wrinkling.
Cats dislike the smell of rue, lavender and pennyroyal, Coleus canina and lemon thyme. Plant a few of these throughout the garden. (Interplanting can attract pollinators and other beneficial insects too.) Cats steer clear of strong citrus scents.
Cats have natural instincts and know when to stay away from toxic-smelling plants. These plants also do not taste good and require more than just a lick or a small bite to cause severe problems. Although this is the case, you should still discourage your cat from getting close to toxic plants.
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), lavender is toxic to cats when ingested. The primary toxins, linalool and linalyl acetate, can cause gastrointestinal upset and more serious conditions if consumed in significant quantities.
With proper care, air plants can live for several years, with some species living up to 10 years or more. Regular hydration, adequate light, and proper airflow contribute to a longer lifespan.
Tip: Tillandsia don't love to be handled. Besides our clumsy hands snapping the occasional leaf, the oils in our fingers actually clog the air plant's sensitive leaves. All Airplantman designs keep this in mind so that it is easy to give your Tillandsia the water it needs without touching it directly!
A healthy air plant will have wide open leaves while a dehydrated air plant will have closed and curled leaves! Never submerge the bloom or flower, as it can cause the flower to rot. If you are using tap water, let the water stand for several hours to dissipate any chemicals prior to watering the plants.
Fortunately, you may be able to revive your air plant. Remove the damaged leaves and roots and allow the plant to dry completely before resuming a more moderate watering schedule.
Identifying Overwatered Air Plants
The most obvious signs to look out for are soft, mushy leaves and discoloration. If your air plant's leaves feel more like wilted lettuce than the stiff, healthy texture they're supposed to have, you could be dealing with overwatering.