How did I first discover air plants? Well, it sure wasn’t because I was a gardening genius. Actually, this is how it happened.

I was browsing through the handmade section of Amazon to see what was new and there it was. A beautiful, handmade wooden knot with a mini-plant growing out of it. There was no way that it could be real. Something so tiny was growing in a space that could not possibly hold soil. You could not tuck a vile of water in it, either. Was it a fake plant? No, it was a real, live plant. They call it an “Air Plant.”

This blog contains affiliate links♥

Click here to browse the HANDMADE section of Amazon dot com.

Carter & Rose ceramic and wood tiny hanging planter with white speckled air plant #Ad

What is an Air Plant?

Air plant? Oh, this adorable little evergreen, officially named Tillandsia, is a wonder. It does not need soil or a pool of water. It actually is nourished by the air and captures moisture through its leaves. The little plants thrive with misting. Larger ones like a weekly soaking, too.

Offidix Plant Misters – choose your favorite color! #Ad

What I really love about these little gems is that, unlike most plants, their growth takes place while you are sleeping! These healthy helpers create and expel oxygen at night [i.e. photosynthesis after the sun goes down.] so go ahead and put some in your bedroom!

Not only do air plants not need soil, they won’t grow in soil. Instead, they attach themselves to other plants, rocks, tree trunks or shrubs. That is why they grow well in tiny wooden vases, glass terrariums or even attached to a decorative piece of drift wood. The possibilities are endless. I saw one growing in a little sconce seashell!

This is the mini knot that I first saw that peeked my curiosity to find out exactly what this cute little plant was! Mini Wooden Knot Holder for Air Plants #Ad

Caring for Air Plants from “The Homebody Society”

2 pack Glass Terrarium Planters make pretty homes for your new air plants! #Ad

Where To Buy Air Plants

There are a number of air plant vendors that you can find online. One of the most popular is the Air Plant Shop and you can find their store right on Amazon>> The Air Plant Shop. Another is >> Shop Succulents Store A third is a store called >> Bliss Gardens.

Browse the many succulents, air plants and more at the Shop Succulents Store #Ad

Ever admired those little spindly plants in pretty glass terrariums or in the nook of a piece of wood? They are AIR PLANTS and so easy to care for! Check it out! #plants #gardeningtips #homedecor #accessories Click To Tweet

How To Grow Air Plants

This is the fun and easier-than-ever part! Follow the supplier’s directions exactly but, most probably, you will need to soak your air plant in water for a short while. They need natural sunlight and a watering every week or two depending on the variety.*

[*Be sure to carefully read the instructions that come with your order as directions for care will vary depending on the variety.]

Steps to watering air plants:

Submerge your plants in water so that it covers each plant.
Let them soak for 30 minutes.
Gently remove and shake the water off.
Place them in their “home.”
Mist on occasion in between.

Air plants are epiphytes, which means that they grow on other plants [not in soil.] Place them in glass globes, on driftwood, in an empty wooden cupholder, in a seashell … there are so many possibilities. Use your imagination!

Wooden air plant cell phone holder and a real AIR PLANT! #Ad – makes a great gift!

Tropical gnome air plants #Ad

Expand your knowledge >> Care For Air Plants [Tillandsia]: 6 Tricks Will Keep Your Air Plant Alive

Adorable anecdote >> Air plants “give birth” so to speak. The main plant is the mother and, in the flowering stage, she releases 1-3 little offshoots called “pups.” >> Taking Care of Air Plant Pups