Taking care of an air plant inside primarily involves providing adequate water, light, and air circulation. Here's a breakdown of how to keep your air plant thriving indoors:
Watering
- Soaking: The general rule of thumb is to soak your air plants every week to ten days. Submerge the entire plant in a bowl of room temperature water for 15-30 minutes.
- Misting (Supplement): You can mist your air plant in between soaking sessions, especially if the air is dry. However, misting shouldn't replace soaking.
- Drying: This is crucial. After soaking, gently shake off excess water and turn the plant upside down on a towel in a well-ventilated area. Allow the plant to dry completely (about 1-4 hours) before returning it to its display location. This prevents rot.
- Signs of Dehydration: Wrinkled or excessively curled leaves indicate your plant is dehydrated and needs more frequent watering. Air plant leaves should feel somewhat stiff after watering.
Lighting
- Indirect Bright Light: Air plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Artificial Light: If natural light is limited, supplement with fluorescent or LED grow lights.
Air Circulation
- Good Airflow: Air plants need good air circulation to dry properly after watering, preventing rot.
- Avoid Enclosed Spaces: Avoid placing air plants in terrariums or enclosed containers without adequate airflow.
Other Considerations
- Fertilizing (Optional): You can occasionally fertilize air plants with a diluted bromeliad fertilizer (about once a month during the growing season).
- Temperature: Air plants generally prefer temperatures between 50-90°F (10-32°C).
- Pests: Air plants are relatively pest-resistant, but you might encounter mealybugs or scale. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap.
In summary, successfully caring for an indoor air plant revolves around regular soaking, proper drying, sufficient indirect light, and good air circulation.
