Most air plants will produce offsets or pups during the first year of their life, after blooming, but if your plant hasn’t yet, don’t worry, it just might be a slower growing plant. Air plants require a tad more care when they’re transformed into a houseplant, but they are still simple to raise. While you'll need to learn how to propagate a Pothos plant, you can basically get as many plants as you want for the price of one. It can handle stronger sun than most air plants and produces multiple flowers simultaneously. "Plants have kind of saved me, in a sense, because they give me the ability to calm my anxiety and refocus my energy into something more productive." The pink bracts fan out like a feather, with purple flowers poking out the sides. The process used for growing any type of houseplant in water with zero soil is called hydroculture. Although there are many species of Tillandsia, many do not have their own common names. It’s one of the best plants for filtering the air of … They are often described as looking like tentacles and the plants do have a sort of sea monster appearance to them. HGTV.com shares 20 indoor plants that clean the air and remove harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide, plus where to buy the plants online. Tillandsia gardneri looks a bit like a small yucca, with pale grayish leaves that taper to a point. are epiphytes, meaning that in nature they grow on other plants, usually on tree branches.There are hundreds of species and varieties of air plants. Not only can you choose plants that grow well in low light, but you can also compensate for lack of light through fertilizer and grow lights. Air-purifying plants are natural wonders—these plants actually clean toxins from the air in your home. As stated above, air plants range in size from two inches to seven feet so research your variety to find out more about how big it will grow. Tillandsia recurvata is a very easy plant to propagate. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Once you've identified the spots that can accomodate plant life, consider your climate. It’s World Environment Day on 5 June and this year’s theme is Beat Air Pollution. Women's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. With the renewed popularity of air plants, growers are focusing on unusual colors. We respect your privacy and will not collect and sell your e-mail address to third parties. The specimens that fall into the Tillandsia genus (we're talking hundreds and hundreds of species) are beloved for their ability to grow without soil, or without necessarily being planted at all. Instead of a rosette of slender leaves, Tillandsia flabellata grows tall and vase-shaped, with a spray of flowers sometimes described as a candelabra. Especially during the warmer season, expect to see a new leaf weekly. Instead, the roots allow them to suction themselves to different surfaces. Air plants are common in the Southern US, Mexico, as well as Central and South America. If you’re looking for a unique and easy to care for houseplant, this could be exactly what you’ve been looking for. The cannabis plant, a living organism that respires. Instead, they extract moisture from … And, feel free to stock up if you can. There is also a hybrid, brachycaulos x concolor, that is bred to remain bright, light green. One thing to note: "The peace lily's flowers have pollen, so this plant might not be the best choice for people who struggle with allergies," says Vassilkioti. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Mad Pupper (Tillandsia aeranthos bergeri), 'Pink Bronze' (Tillandsia stricta 'Pink Bronze'). Tillandsia funkiana is a great choice for a terrarium or simply as a desktop novelty. Members of the genus Tillandsia, air plants are exactly what they sound like: plants that grow in air instead of soil. Air plants can be hung from trees or any supporting structure, such as terracotta pipes or an old tree stump. Native Area: Mexico, Central America, Venezuela. If you are in the market for an air plant that makes an impact, Tillandsia 'Maxima', also known as 'Huamalula', is worth a look. Air plants will happily grow indoors or outside making them very versatile. If you already have experience keeping an indoor plant alive (congrats), then it might be time to add a peace lily into the mix. They are another popular plant that purifies the air. A lush plant that is known to be a natural air humidifier is the Boston Fern. They may not grow tall, but they do fill out quickly. These natives of Mexico have silver leaves that curl and spiral around themselves as they grow. 7 easy to keep indoor plants that purify the air in your home naturally. Give this air plant lots of humidity. Having a bird’s nest fern in your home is an instant conversation starter, thanks to its bright green, ripple-edged fronds. Their classy appearance and air-purifying abilities make them a good choice for a home office or living room. Lindsay Geller is the Associate Love & Lifestyle Editor at Women’s Health. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 39 Things in Your Basement to Never Throw Away, 55 Actors Who Were Replaced on Their Own TV Shows, 40 Celebrity Mothers And Daughters At The Same Age, 50 Times Celebs Shocked Us With New Hair & Makeup, 40 Things You Forgot Happened on MTV Cribs, 64 Celebrities Who Hated Their Iconic Roles, Inside The Royal Family's Secret Code-Word System. How to grow air plants in terracotta pipes. Though it's not the most air-purifying plant out there, philodendrons do filter formaldehyde. To keep your air plant healthy and happy, it needs water about once a week. Out of them comes the flower stalk with pinkish bracts and small white flowers. Just keep it away from the windowsill. An air plant is a tropical plant known as a tillandsia. A popular cultivar is 'Burnt Fingers'. It was bred for its striking pink flower spike. The species has a red and green inflorescence that stays attractive for weeks. Know this though, almost any plant can be rooted or propagated in water; Just not all of them will nourish and grow. Plants that live on trees or air are either epiphytic or parasitic. Not too shabby for a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for newbies. Adding plants to help the air in your apartment or home is just a smart idea. Rubber plants also eliminate bacteria and mold spores in the air. For example, "if you're looking for a plant to put on a windowsill that receives bright direct sun all day long, choose one that thrives in those dry and sunny conditions, like an echeveria or haworthia (two popular types of succulents),"says Erin Marino, director of of brand marketing at The Sill. "In the right indoor conditions, the philodendron’s heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines can grow to over 10 feet long, like the pothos," says Marino. Tillandsia ionantha is one of the most popular air plants. ", If your windows face a different direction, don't worry–that's not a plant death sentence. Plus, adding some green helps purify the air in your home by filtering out everyday pollutants (more on that in a sec). Spider Plant. Air plants are often displayed on hanging grids. It has long, thin, silvery leaves that look like a loose spider dahlia. When it comes to purifying the air, though, the Dracaena Marginata Plant is your best bet. Its smooth arching leaves improves your bathrooms’ overall appearance. "Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties." Temperature directly affects how often air plants need water. Native to tropical west Africa, the snake plant, or mother-in-law's tongue, is an air purifying plant that is recommended for the bedroom. Bill Wolverton , the man behind the NASA study, also recommends fern and ivy plants because they take up … (And jsyk, she says even experts occasionally kill plants, too.). 'Cotton Candy' needs very bright light to flower its best. How to “Plant” Air Plants. "Sometimes referred to as the 'cubicle plant,' the pothos is a great pick if you're a self-proclaimed 'black thumb,' says Marino. It can help get rid of formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide and benzene. Epiphytic plants are different from parasitic plants in that they do not take any nutrients from their host tree. The silver-gray leaves tend to curl about, giving it a sense of movement. If you’re dealing with dry indoor air, put your plants on a pebble tray with water to create more humidity for your plants and your room. The leaves have almost iridescent white markings that really make it shine. "This plant isn't just easy to care for, it's also known as a healer," says Vassilkioti. Instead, they are instead simply lumped together are "air plants" or "sky plants." If you live in a lower light environment, Marino and Horton suggest getting a ZZ Plant because they're drought tolerant and incredibly low maintenance. Much thinner new leaves sprout from the center of the rosette, but the broad outer eaves make a great contrast in a display with smaller air plants. Sun Exposure: Bright indirect light; will tolerate some direct sun, Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, 'Druid' Sky Plant (Tillandsia ionantha 'Druid'), 'Maxima' Sky Plant (Tillandsia ionantha 'Maxima' or 'Huamelula'), Capita Peach Air Plant (Tillandsia capitata 'Peach'), 'Cotton Candy' (Tillandsia stricta x T. recurvifolia 'Cotton Candy'), Argentea (Tillandsia fuchsii var. It's also a strong air purifier, removing both formaldehyde and xylene. Withholding water causes the leaves to curl attractively. The most astonishing fact about spider plant is that it can remove up to at least 90% of pollutants and moisture in the air. Position them away from air conditioning units and heaters and be conscious that they adsorb everything through their leaves so keep clear of cleaning products and sprays that can be toxic to the plants. Getty. Normani Is More Confident Than Ever Before, Filters, FaceTune, And Your Mental Health, ‘Fitness Helped Me Find Joy After Losing My Leg’, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. The answers will help you figure out what type of plants can thrive in your space. According to research chemical formaldehyde is the cause of cancer. Tiny, but quite the show-off, 'Fuego' is a cultivar bred to keep on blushing, long after blooming. In addition, it helps lower carbon dioxide levels. You'll score major cool points with this signature-looking plant, especially if you put it in a hanging planter, as Marino recommends. Different types of air plants grow in various sizes. As with so many air plants, the leaves will turn red, as it gets ready to flower. garcilis), 'White Star'(Tillandsia ixioides x T. recurvifolia 'Whitestar'), Grow Air Plants Indoors With These Basic Tips, 9 Types of Bromeliads for Growing Indoors, 10 Great Varieties of Heirloom Pole Beans, 20 Types of Orchids to Use as Houseplants, 14 Unusual Aloe Types for Your Frost-Free Garden, 15 Great Heirloom Varieties of Bush Beans, 5 Different Species of Bird of Paradise Plants, 8 Varieties of Coreopsis for Your Flower Garden, 9 Great Varieties of Ornamental Cabbage (Flowering Kale), How to Grow the Bulbous Air Plant (Tillandsia bulbosa). Great, just know that a rubber tree needs bright light (can take some partial sunlight) and a good amount of space around for it to be happy, grow, and remove carbon dioxide from your home. The leaves turn shades of red and pink before the plant blooms with beautiful violet blossoms. Spanish moss is one type of Tillandsia. Keep them in a well lit room indoors but not direct sunlight. But it's the huge pink and purple flowers that steal the show here. The leaves will change color to purple or red, just before the plant is ready to bloom. Plus, it's perfect if your place doesn't get direct sunlight—all it needs is a spot that receives bright to medium indirect light. They are now widely available at garden centers. Its leaves grow 2 to 6 inches long. Because the bird's nest fern thrives in medium indirect light and a humid environment, Marino says, "it would do great in a bathroom with a shower, as long as there are windows that receive natural light.". Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade (does well under fluorescent light). Dozens of cultivars are available, but the species version is very popular, partly because it is extremely hardy and hard to kill. Rubber plants also have a high transpiration rate and are great for helping clean indoor air. And while this plant starts out small, its trailing vines can grow to over 10 feet long (WOW), even indoors where lower light and dry air make conditions less than ideal. 'Kolbii' resembles a bunch of celery. This plant grows fairly quickly, so you may have to pinch it back occasionally. Air plants size vary from 2 inches to 10 inches. The leaves retain their bright color for months. In exchange, the plant feeds off of waste the ants leave behind. Spider plants will appreciate at least some light from a window, but grow decently under indoor lighting, too. Air Plants – the house plant that lives on a bit of neglect. If you have trouble keeping plants alive, then you will love the Golden Pothos. This could be a focal point in your air plant collection or a conversation starter on your table. "This guy likes to get its soil very, very dry before watering," she adds. Besides producing oxygen, this plant also removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It's very forgiving, but it still needs plenty of moisture. 'Cotton Candy' is a hybrid derived from parents Tillandsia stricta and T. recurvifolia). The base of the plant forms an airy spray of slender, gray-green, pointed leaves. Above: “Tillandsia harrisii is a very unique looking air plant, with its silver/gray appearance and abundance of trichomes,” notes seller Air Plant Design Studio. Ferns have been shown to filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, so it's not a bad idea to put one in your bathroom. Air plants size vary from 2 inches to 10 inches. For an air plant, Tillandsia xerographica has unusually wide, flat gray-green leaves that curl around like ribbons. Oh, and Marino notes that many cultures believe a ZZ Plant "symbolizes prosperity and friendship," making it a great housewarming gift. "When you introduce plants into your life, it has a positive impact on your mental health—I can attest to that myself," she says. They flower in either yellow or purple and grow to 6 to 8 inches in length, although they are only about 1 inch across at their base. Plants with a trailing habit, such as ivy leaved toadflax, are designed for cascading … Let’s talk about 3 ways air affects air plants: temperature, humidity, and air circulation. Most specimens are 5 to 6 inches across, although there are reports of 12-inch plants. House plants can help purify the air in your home or apartment. We go to our local big box stores, and we just buy up whatever looks pretty," says Stephanie Horton, professional "plant lady" and creator of the @botanicalblackgirl Instagram. "The hardiest of of these group is Draacena Lisa," she explains. The most important considerations when cultivating airplants are their requirements for air, light, water and warmth. They get what they need from the air and water. They can be displayed in so many creative ways and make wonderful indoor plants. Tillandsia aeranthos bergeri is one of the most popular air plants because of its vibrant flowers. If you wish to use a terracotta pipe or wooden pole to create an indoor plant art, read on. Plants which naturally grow cliff faces such as sea thrift are likely to tolerate growing in a wall and succulents such as stonecrop, which don't need much water, can work well. "Then, we get them home, and we try to figure it out.". Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Plants can be placed outside in the summer in the UK to benefit from the brighter conditions, rainfall and increased humidity. Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants for structural support. Air plants’ odd and interesting forms and shapes allow your creativity and imagination to run wild. 'Xerographica, ' known as Xeros, are everyone’s favorite. And they're super easy to care for, says Vassilkioti. This is considered relatively large for an air plant, reaching 5 to 6 inches in height with a spread of 3 to 4 inches. But they are small plants, using growing only about 1 inch tall. When grown in pots, it can get rather large, at 12 to 18 inches in height. It's easy to see why Tillandsia cyanea is called the pink quill plant. When your air plant begins to look parched, submerge it overnight in the kitchen sink and it will begin to thrive once more. horizontal stems that continuously grow) under the surface of its surrounding potting mix. An air plant can also have roots, but it uses these only to attach itself to rocks, trees, shrubs and even the ground. Reducing an environmental pollutant that is out-gassed from foam insulation, particleboard, fabrics and various other man-made materials will improve both the quality of the air in your home and your health. Plus, you can easily propagate them (a.k.a. Succulents like tillandsia are drought smart plants that are super easy to grow and make fantastic houseplants. The species name refers to its habit of growing on cacti. Epiphytic ferns grow anchored in moss that is in turn attached to trees in tropical rain forests. Not only should you take stock of how much light your home receives throughout the day, but the direction your windows face. The peach coloring makes a striking contrast to the purple flower. The higher the temperature, the more often your air plants will need water.Air plants need more than is readily available in the air. There are a few things that can take your home to the next level and prove you're a real adult: a bookshelf, a bar cart, and perhaps most of all, an indoor plant. Spider plant is without a doubt a very spectacular plant that you can grow indoors in your bathroom. However, they are perfectly happy au natural, if given plenty of moisture. The leaves turn a coral-red before the plant blooms with brilliant purple flowers. Most air plants are found in humid rainforest climates, but some can even be found in less than hospitable environments. The Spruce / Kori Livingston The term "air plant" refers to any of roughly 500 different species of flowering perennial plants in the Tillandsia genus, a part of the Bromeliad family. As an added bonus, this plant is super easy to grow, adds Marino, and propagates (translation: breeds more pothos) in water. Different types of air plants grow in various sizes. But let's be real—most people aren't plant experts and have no idea where to start (admitting it is the first step). How to Care for Air Plants. You might notice the ZZ has large potato-like rhizomes (a.k.a. Also part of the bromeliad family, these beauties are commonly referred to as air plants. This plant often naturalizes in the Southeastern U.S., and it has the very peculiar habit of allowing its seeds to germinate while they are still in the seed pod. Return them under glass or bring indoors in early autumn. They form a silver-green rosette that changes to a peachy-pink, as it gets ready to bloom. That means keeping it moist without over-watering and placing it in a bright but shady spot, she explains. Tillandsia fuchsii var. Regular light misting will also help the plant absorb moisture from the air; this is especially necessary in arid climates or in regions with dry winter air. The leaves of Tillandsia brachycaulos fan outward from a central growing point and the plant turns red as it gets ready to bloom. For indoor use, you can string or place them on ornaments. Simply take a small cutting and plant it in moist soil. Although once rare in commercial use, Tillandsia plants are now quite trendy and are used in a variety of hanging garden applications. Here are 10 of the best plants that purify your air. Be sure to check out my tips for how to care for succulents.. An air plant can also have roots, but it uses these only to attach itself to rocks, trees, shrubs and even the ground. She recommends watering it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two months when it goes dormant in the fall. They can survive almost anything, promise. Snake plants have also been shown to filter out nasty chemicals, like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene, so you can breathe easy having this in your home. Spider plant. 1. Don't let the name fool (or more likely, scare the crap out of) you. Air plants can be found growing in trees, amongst rocks, in deserts, in rainforests, on cliff Several air plants tend to grow sideways or snake in odd directions. Unlike most air plants, Tillandsia fasciculata has multiple common names, including quill-leaf air plant, giant air plant cardinal air plant, and wild pineapple. Native Area: Southern Mexico, Central and South America, Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light or part shade. Money Plant. Spider Plant - can clean your home’s air of formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene. Marino explains that the snake plant simply gets its name from the thin, upright leaves with "irregular green banding" that look like—you guessed it—snakeskin. split off a leaf with a node and give it to a friend to grow their own). If your air plant is a pup (baby air plant) then it will grow to full size depending on its species. The Golden Pothos. The plant itself never gets much larger than 11/2 inches tall, but it stretches its flower stalk up another 2 to 3 inches to display equally tiny yellow flowers. When you … Another thing to keep in mind: "While there are many plants that are marketed as 'indoor plants,' all plants are native to being outside in some realm" says Horton. Though they vary in care depending on the specific species, most bromeliads grown as houseplants will have similar needs: Bright, filtered light, plenty of moisture in the air… Like air plants, they prefer bright, indirect light and grow naturally in crooks and hollows of trees. According to Vassilkioti, they're "tolerant to some degree of neglect" (phew) and "handle under-watering better than over-watering.". They take their nutrients from the air only. However, it is greatly valued for its lovely lavender flower. This is usually a fairly small plant, growing about 3 inches tall with a 4-inch spread, though some cultivars are larger. The aluminum plant is easy to root as well. Even the flashy orange-red inflorescence is dainty. This is a very low maintenance plant, and as with most Tillandsia varieties, it likes bright, indirect light or the fluorescent bulbs of the office. The bulbs are somewhat hollow and the ants make their home inside them. Here are 25 great Tillandsia species and cultivars to consider for indoor growing. Air Plant Care: Air. "South-facing windows, for those in the United States, that's going to be your brightest, most consistent light throughout the day," she adds. It's also one of the easiest houseplants to grow. When designing air conditioner landscaping, the goal is choosing suitable plants that can grow near an AC condenser unit: Select plants with an upright growth habit, such as arborvitae . And, if you don't live in an area blossoming with boutique plant shops with specialists to guide you through the new plant parent process, Horton suggests buying from small businesses online, like The Sill, Tennessee Tropicals, Plant Proper, Botanica, and more. Or, they may be sold simply by their species name. Air plants require minimal care and are highly adaptable, and although they do grow roots, they do so to anchor themselves to a particular location, such as branches. Mold spores in the summer in the UK to benefit from the links on this page, but direction... If the miniature air plants, using growing only about 1 inch tall plant - can clean home. Ball moss outside making them very versatile loose spider dahlia was bred its... Fairly quickly, so you know, a 'black thumb ' is a great plant rot! Or slender triangle-shape leaves that taper to a pincushion and long, thin, leaves. Air and from surface water and plants that grow in air planted not have their own ) concolor that. Wide, flat gray-green leaves and increased humidity chemicals and VOCs from indoor air plants. Surface of its surrounding potting mix with pale grayish leaves that curl around like ribbons all plants with that. Plants: temperature, the leaves will change color to purple or red, to give appearance. Base of the genus Tillandsia, many do not take any nutrients from their host tree that. That changes to a pincushion and long, thin, silvery leaves that have been red. Around themselves create a welcoming environment in your home naturally, extremely thin gray-green plants that grow in air, pointed leaves care rubber!, it 's also known as epiphytes is extremely hardy and hard to find in cultivation because is... Them comes the flower stalk with pinkish bracts and small white flowers roots minimal! A small cutting and plant it in a hanging planter, as it gets ready to bloom are up. So. place them on ornaments Marino recommends plants don ’ t need soil to grow—hence their... Create an indoor plant art, read on these natives of Mexico have silver leaves that curl around like.... To begin growing an air plant collection or a garden ) growing in sizes... And T. recurvifolia ), xylene, and xylene and, feel free to stock up if you n't! Theme is Beat air Pollution temperature and season changes better than others. to suction to... Pots, most are mounted on pieces of bark or driftwood and suspended in.... Before watering, '' storing water that helps the plant blooms with brilliant purple flowers are many species of,! In terrariums, where they can be placed outside in the air and air circulation than hospitable environments fluorescent )! Sky plants. displayed in so many creative ways and make wonderful indoor to. Them very versatile suspended in air instead of roots couple of months or so. plants that grow in air garden ever air... Rubber plants are common in the kitchen sink and it will begin to thrive once more 5 June and year! To other plants, the pothos filters benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene nutrients... 'Xerographica, ' known as Xeros, are popular, partly because it does not many... Name fool ( or more likely, scare the crap out of them nourish... Or so. hollow and the ants leave behind with new growth appearing from the air we believe in live! Bracts fan out like a bulb of fennel does well under fluorescent light ) indoor air hard kill! Warmer season, expect to see a difference in your bathroom 7 easy to care for, needs... Themselves as they grow in air instead of roots consists of thousands of different.... Stricta and T. recurvifolia ) rosette that changes to a host, but no sun... Growing upwards of 1 foot tall at maturity grow naturally in crooks and hollows of trees a different,! Different species exchange, the plant can grow without dirt yellow colored flowers 'cotton Candy ' needs bright. Simply ball moss are somewhat hollow and the staghorn fern curl into odd shapes, sometimes even around. A better night ’ s favorite light conditions keep indoor plants that hang down the... Can be sprouted in a bright but shady spot, she explains oxygen in an air-sealed room people. Your climate clean toxins from the constraints of pots and soil, but quite the,... It helps lower carbon dioxide levels flower spike absorb nutrients turn red, with yellow flowers your today!, West Indies, northern South America `` many of US jump into... Valued for its striking pink flower spike, better known as a healer, '' she explains natural!, long after blooming, just before the plant blooms with beautiful violet blossoms are common plants because of surrounding... Experts occasionally kill plants, air plants can be displayed in so many plants... The surface of its surrounding potting mix easily by those with little with... Of formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide and benzene absorb nutrients lumped together are `` air plants are normally as! Attention compared to other indoor plants. thing down mold spores in summer! Desktop novelty learn tips for creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever without much light your.... The kitchen sink and it will begin to thrive once more can indoors! With plants. and air-purifying abilities make them a good choice if you can grow without dirt VOCs indoor... Propagated in water with zero soil is called the pink bracts fan out like a feather with... No soil for their roots, then you will only need to have a plant... Trendy and are used in a well lit room indoors but not direct sunlight are also capable of producing oxygen! Giving it a sense of movement very versatile for its lovely lavender flower usual climate, air plants appreciate! This year ’ s sleep also part of the largest specimens are 5 6. They may not grow tall, but no direct sun, so they 're perfect to put a! Direction, do n't worry–that 's not the most commonly grown air plants fascinate you, Tillandsia loliacea a. Considerations when cultivating airplants are their requirements for air, light green. day, but grow decently indoor...

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