Air plants are remarkable in that they do not grow rooted in the soil like most plants. These epiphytes do have roots, but these are used to anchor the plants to another plant or other object, rather than to absorb water and nutrients.Â
This makes placing them in the home as an indoor plant an interesting exercise. You can get creative with where you place your plant, but here are 5 vase and container ideas to get you started in the right way.
Where to Put Air Plants?
Air Plant Hangers
You can create your own wire hanger by using a fairly soft, plastic-coated wire bent into a hook on one end, and a bowl on the other. Ideally, it should be easy to lift the plant out of the wire hanger for soaking. A properly coated wire hanger should not rust if you choose to soak the plant on its hanger, however.
Ornamental hangers constructed from all sorts of different materials, including fabric, plastic, glass, and ceramics are also available for purchase online or from garden centers.
Natural Wood
One of the most popular and natural-looking ways to display your air plants is to mount them on wood. You can select a piece of wood from just about anywhere for this purpose, including your own garden. The ideal wood is durable, and will not rot over time as a result of misting.
Some of the best options are the types of driftwood sold in aquarium supply stores as these materials are able to remain submerged for years. Air plants can be mounted to wood using wire, elastic thread, glue, or simply placed in a natural cavity or crack.
Air Plant Pots
Even though your air plant does not need soil, it is still possible to grow it in a decorative pot. The pot should not contain any soil or water and have an opening of the right size to support the plant.Â
Air plants do not necessarily have to be grown in glass, but this material does allow better light through to the foliage. If you prefer to use an opaque container, the plant will need to be propped up on the entrance, rather than dropped into the pot.
Terrariums & Glass Globes and Vases
Air plants grow very well in terrariums, provided they have access to enough light, moisture, and airflow. Many different terrarium designs are available, and they can be suspended or placed on a table, for example.
It is important that the glass air plant holder you choose not be completely closed off. You should also be able to remove the plant easily when soaking is necessary.
While closed designs may be helpful in maintaining some humidity, the lack of airflow can cause rot and even kill your plants. Allow the plant to dry off well before re-watering, and remember to gently shake off all the remaining water after soaking.
Vivariums
For some reptile and frog enthusiasts, air plants are the ideal addition to their exotic pet enclosures. Naturally, full-spectrum lighting and access to moisture and humidity are still required to keep the plants healthy. The more mesic species that are adapted to wetter environments tend to work better in these relatively low airflow enclosures.
Some Important Considerations
Unless you live in a fairly humid environment, your air plants will probably need regular misting and soaking in water. This is the most important factor to consider when choosing where to place your air plant.
Attaching your air plant to electronics or paper, for example, is obviously not suggested as these materials may be damaged by water.
Likewise, gluing your Tillandsia to a very heavy object can make soaking the plant a rather difficult prospect. Your best bet is to grow your air plant on something that will support the plant without the need for glue or permanent physical attachment.
Conclusion
There are so many different ways to grow air plants that you can let your creativity run wild. This is part of the reason for the popularity of these soil-less epiphytes. Just remember to keep the needs of the plant and other important practicalities in mind when selecting the container of your choice.
*image by [email protected]/depositphotos
