How to Pot an Air Plant

Air plants are unusual, beautiful plants that don't require soil to grow. Instead, these plants draw moisture and nutrients from the air around them. To keep an air plant healthy, it's important to pot it correctly. Follow these steps to pot an air plant and ensure that it thrives in its new home.

Step 1: Choose a Pot

The first step to potting your air plant is to choose a suitable pot. Air plants don't need soil to grow, so you can get creative with your choice of container. You can use everything from a decorative glass jar to a seashell to a piece of driftwood as the base for your air plant. Just make sure that your chosen container has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling inside and causing rot.

Step 2: Add a Base

To anchor your air plant in the pot, add a base material that will help it stay upright. Sphagnum moss, aquarium gravel, or small rocks are all good options. Place your base material in the pot, making sure that it's deep enough to hold your air plant securely in place.

Step 3: Position Your Air Plant

Once you have your base material in place, it's time to position your air plant. Gently place the plant on top of the base material and adjust it until it's at the angle you want. You can add more base material around the plant if necessary to stabilize it.

Step 4: Carefully Water Your Air Plant

Air plants only need a small amount of water to stay healthy, so it's important not to overwater them. To water your air plant, use a spray bottle to mist it with water. Make sure to mist it thoroughly, so that all parts of the plant are wet. You only need to water your air plant once or twice a week, depending on the humidity in your environment.

Step 5: Let Your Air Plant Dry

After watering your air plant, it's important to let it dry out completely before putting it back in its pot. Excess moisture can cause your air plant to rot, so make sure to place it in a sunny spot to dry. If you live in a humid environment, you may need to leave your air plant to dry for longer to ensure that it's completely dry.

Step 6: Add Fertilizer

To help your air plant stay healthy, you can add a small amount of fertilizer to it once a month. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and dilute it to half the recommended strength. Spray the fertilizer solution onto your air plant, making sure to cover all parts of the plant.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your air plant thrives in its pot. With the right care and attention, air plants can be a beautiful addition to any home or office.