where do air plants come from

Air plants can be found growing in trees, amongst rocks, in deserts, in rainforests, on cliffs and rock faces, and even on cacti. Most air plants are native to areas such as the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and South America, and some are even found growing in the southern United States.

How do air plants start?

After the first bloom cycle an air plant will start its reproduction process by growing a very small “pup” at its base. The bloom cycle can take anywhere between 6 months and several years after birth. ... While air plants also seed and spread the traditional way, pups are an easy way to grow your collection.

How do air plants grow in the wild?

Tillandsias are epiphytes, which means that in nature air plants grow on other plants—clinging to tree trunks, for instance—rather than by rooting in the ground. Air plants will grow on bushes, rocks, and shrubs. Other epiphytes include orchids (which grow on tropical trees) and many kinds of ferns.

How long do air plants live?

Tillandsias are tropical plants that usually live for several years and will bloom and produce flowers only one time during their lifetime. The flowers are striking and brilliantly colored, and the bloom period will last several days to many months, depending on the species.

Where do air ferns come from?

Most “air ferns” are picked up by trawlers fishing in the North Sea. The animals are dried so that only their fern-like skeletons remain.

Do air plants get 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!

Can Air plants have babies?

Air Plant Life Cycle

But don't despair! Just before, during or after flowering, depending on the species, your air plant will reproduce by sending out 2-8 “pups”. These baby air plants, which start out very small, will eventually grow into their own mother plants.

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.

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.

Is it illegal to pick Air plants in Florida?

Remember, field collection is usually illegal. Many sites cited for demolition may have already been contacted by organizations dedicated to conservation. By collecting those plants, you are interfering with conservation efforts.

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.

Can you overwater an air plant?

Tip: Overwatering Air Plants: Worry less about overwatering an air plant and worry more about letting the water drain away from your plant after watering. After the plant has dried, about 4 hours, return it to its display. Remember that air plants do not absorb water from their roots. ... This will prevent rot.

Why do my air plants keep dying?

Why do my air plants keep dying? If your Tillandsia isn't looking its best, especially if it's shriveled or brown, there's a good chance that the plant is extremely thirsty. Although misting the plant is often recommended, spritzing usually doesn't provide enough moisture to keep the plant healthy and hydrated.

How do I know if my air plant is healthy?

Tip: Watch your plants' leaves for clues on whether they are thirsty or not. Curly leaves are drier and a healthy white fuzz actually means your plant is healthy, not necessarily drying out. Brown leaf tips and a general shriveled appearance are other clues you are under-watering.

Do air plants attract bugs?

YES! Air Plants can indeed get bugs, but they are HIGHLY resistant to them.

Do air plants exist in nature?

Air plants can be found growing in trees, amongst rocks, in deserts, in rainforests, on cliffs and rock faces, and even on cacti. Most air plants are native to areas such as the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and South America, and some are even found growing in the southern United States.

Is Coca Cola good for plants?

Sugary soda pops are not the most ideal choices for use as fertilizer. ... Therefore, pouring soda on plants, such as Classic Coca Cola, is inadvisable. Coke has a jaw dropping 3.38 grams of sugar per ounce, which would certainly kill the plant as it would certainly be unable to absorb water or nutrients.

How do I get my air plant to bloom?

Most healthy Tillandsia will bloom eventually, but they require proper care and plenty of light in order to do so. To help speed up the blooming process, you can use a diluted fertilizer like our specially formulated Air Plant Food once per month or so to encourage blooms and pup production.

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.

Can you cut air plants in half?

Can you cut an air plant? Yes— you can trim an air plant. Most air plants are very hardy and they can survive even if you cut off some of its leaves or the spike. But think twice before you cut an air plant since the leaves cannot regenerate themselves once you cut a part of the plant off.

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.

Can you divide air plants?

On average, air plants will create 1 to 3 pups after the blooming process. Some varieties can product many, many more. Separating Pups from the mother plant: You can gently remove offsets from the mother plant when they grow to be about 1/3 the size of the mother.