9 Ways to Grow and Display Air Plants
These striking little plants are super-straightforward to grow and require no soil, making it easy to display them in fun and creative ways
Jo Simmons
10 September 2016
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Think you can’t grow houseplants? Think again! Even the most non-green-fingered among us can keep an air plant alive. These hardy and unique little plants grow without soil, getting all the water and nutrients they need from the air. This means they’re not only easy to grow, but easy to display: no soil spilling out of a plant pot; no dribbles when watering.
There are more than 650 different types of air plant (or bromeliad), and they are native to the southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. This means they thrive in warm conditions, such as inside a house, and will grow even when neglected. Plus, with no need to keep their roots buried in soil, these plants are hugely versatile and can flourish in anything from a glass jar to an old branch.
There are more than 650 different types of air plant (or bromeliad), and they are native to the southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. This means they thrive in warm conditions, such as inside a house, and will grow even when neglected. Plus, with no need to keep their roots buried in soil, these plants are hugely versatile and can flourish in anything from a glass jar to an old branch.
Hang them high
Special glass containers, sometimes called air plant terrariums, beautifully showcase the plants’ delicate leaves and colours. Many of these terrariums are designed so they can be hung up. Unlike regular houseplants, air plants require no soil, so they’re perfectly suited to being displayed like this, with no risk of compost showering the floor!
Special glass containers, sometimes called air plant terrariums, beautifully showcase the plants’ delicate leaves and colours. Many of these terrariums are designed so they can be hung up. Unlike regular houseplants, air plants require no soil, so they’re perfectly suited to being displayed like this, with no risk of compost showering the floor!
Try as a table centrepiece
Ditch the vase of flowers and go for something more contemporary on your dining table. An air plant or two, sitting in a simple bowl, makes an unusual centrepiece. Since air plants get all the nutrients they need through their specialised leaves, rather than their roots, there’s no need to plant them in compost. Just remember to mist with water daily from spring to mid-autumn, and once or twice a week in the winter.
Ditch the vase of flowers and go for something more contemporary on your dining table. An air plant or two, sitting in a simple bowl, makes an unusual centrepiece. Since air plants get all the nutrients they need through their specialised leaves, rather than their roots, there’s no need to plant them in compost. Just remember to mist with water daily from spring to mid-autumn, and once or twice a week in the winter.
Go for glass
Air plants, as their name suggests, need good air circulation to thrive, but they will grow in almost any kind of vessel. Try using wine glasses, flutes or any cloche that has an opening, so the plant flourishes but is also beautifully displayed.
Why every home should have a glass display cupboard
Air plants, as their name suggests, need good air circulation to thrive, but they will grow in almost any kind of vessel. Try using wine glasses, flutes or any cloche that has an opening, so the plant flourishes but is also beautifully displayed.
Why every home should have a glass display cupboard
Upcycle old jars
Turn old glass jars into informal holders for air plants. If you want to make the plants appear more ‘rooted’, fill the jars with pebbles, around which their roots will slowly grow.
Turn old glass jars into informal holders for air plants. If you want to make the plants appear more ‘rooted’, fill the jars with pebbles, around which their roots will slowly grow.
Dot in as a display
Use a tiny air plant in a glass terrarium as a beautiful, natural addition to a little tableau of finds. It will add a gorgeous flash of soft green to any small arrangement and bring simple objects to life.
Use a tiny air plant in a glass terrarium as a beautiful, natural addition to a little tableau of finds. It will add a gorgeous flash of soft green to any small arrangement and bring simple objects to life.
Branch out
Encourage an air plant to grow on a piece of timber or a tree branch, and then display this artfully.
Air plants don’t use their roots to pull up nutrients from the soil; they only use them for attaching themselves to rocks, trees, shrubs or the ground. Harness this natural ability by tucking tiny air plants into a branch, old plank or piece of driftwood. Then hang it up, pop it on a mantelpiece or display it within an old picture frame or window, as here.
Encourage an air plant to grow on a piece of timber or a tree branch, and then display this artfully.
Air plants don’t use their roots to pull up nutrients from the soil; they only use them for attaching themselves to rocks, trees, shrubs or the ground. Harness this natural ability by tucking tiny air plants into a branch, old plank or piece of driftwood. Then hang it up, pop it on a mantelpiece or display it within an old picture frame or window, as here.
Green-up a bathroom
Air plants thrive in moist environments, so are perfectly suited to life in a bathroom. They need good light levels, but don’t like direct sun, preferring filtered light or dappled shade, so the frosted glass often found in a bathroom window is another good fit for them.
Hang them over the bath so you have something pretty to gaze at while you bathe.
Air plants thrive in moist environments, so are perfectly suited to life in a bathroom. They need good light levels, but don’t like direct sun, preferring filtered light or dappled shade, so the frosted glass often found in a bathroom window is another good fit for them.
Hang them over the bath so you have something pretty to gaze at while you bathe.
Grow them in the garden
In mild climates, air plants will grow happily outside. (They will die in temperatures below about 7ºC.) Tuck them in among existing planting, shrubs or trees to create a contrast of leaf shape and colour.
Air plants that are naturally suited to growing in trees can be gently tied to a tree trunk or post using translucent fishing line. You could also add a little bit of sphagnum moss around the roots for extra moisture. Simply bring them in for the winter once the weather turns.
Check out 10 of the best plants for late summer colour in the garden
In mild climates, air plants will grow happily outside. (They will die in temperatures below about 7ºC.) Tuck them in among existing planting, shrubs or trees to create a contrast of leaf shape and colour.
Air plants that are naturally suited to growing in trees can be gently tied to a tree trunk or post using translucent fishing line. You could also add a little bit of sphagnum moss around the roots for extra moisture. Simply bring them in for the winter once the weather turns.
Check out 10 of the best plants for late summer colour in the garden
Spell it out
Fill metal letters with air plants to create a living word! Create compartments within the letters from stiff card or small sections of ply, then tuck the plants into each space to gradually fill out the letters.
Do you grow air plants at home? Share your tips for caring for and displaying them in the Comments below.
Fill metal letters with air plants to create a living word! Create compartments within the letters from stiff card or small sections of ply, then tuck the plants into each space to gradually fill out the letters.
Do you grow air plants at home? Share your tips for caring for and displaying them in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Decorating
Styling: The Enduring Appeal of Laid-back Linen
By Lara Sargent
From tablecloths to sofa covers and gorgeous antique bedding, linen love is here to stay
Full Story
Decorating
20 Interiors That Wow With Indoor Plants
By Kate Burt
Be inspired to go green by these designers, who haven’t held back when adding plants to an interior
Full Story
Decorating
How to Make Your Open-plan Room Feel Cosy
Try these tricks to bring a snug, intimate mood to an airy space
Full Story
Decorating
9 Ways to Squeeze in a Bookshelf
By Kate Burt
Think you have nowhere to fit all your books? These clever design ideas may make you think again
Full Story
Decorating
23 Beautifully Styled Mantelpieces
By Kate Burt
Forget practicality – the mantelpiece is a shelf that demands a decorative approach, as these inspiring examples show
Full Story
Decorating
21 Gallery Walls That Make an Impact
A collection of prints, paintings or photos hanging together can create a display that’s more than the sum of its parts
Full Story
Bedrooms
7 Ways to Give Your Bedroom a Boutique Hotel Feel
Whether your style is city glamour, country luxury or spa haven, follow these tips to make your bedroom more special
Full Story
Decorating
The Secret to Hanging Curtains Beautifully
By tidgboutique
Learn key methods and measurements for fullness and stacking to get your window treatments on the right track
Full Story
Decorating
22 Rooms Where Dark Wood Furniture is the Star of the Show
Is it time to give rich dark wood a second look? These rooms show how it can transform your space
Full Story
Decorating
How to Get Your Furniture Arrangement Right
By Fred Albert
Follow these 10 basic layout rules for a polished, pulled-together look in any room
Full Story
I have a collection that I bought individually at Bunnings for a terrarium with a grow-light. Some varieties seem fussier than others. Once a week I soak them in water for a few minutes and then drain on a tea towel until completely dry. Every few weeks I add a few drops of fish emulsion plant food to the water - they seem to like this. I don't mist them in the terrarium as they tend to rot unless completely dried. They've been going for about 18 months and I have had numerous 'pups'.
Love airplants! I have a number of them and place them all around the house, even in lights.