9 Recommended Air Plants to Grow Indoors
While most popular garden plants grow in soil, air plants are different. They manage to spread their roots through the air alone. This captivating growth habit allows these plants to grow in striking hanging garden displays. If you want to grow these incredible plants in your home, here are a few of the species to try.
Giant airplant, or Tillandsia fasciculata, is a large species of bromeliad. In the wild, it grows on tree trunks and produces a stunning flower-like inflorescence that can last for a year. This air plant is endangered in the United States.
Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is native to subtropical and tropical Mexico, Central America, South America, and the southern United States. Spanish moss is also known as grandpa’s beard in Polynesia. It grows on the surface of southern live oak and bald-cypress trees. It has spiritual symbolic significance in Hawaii and the American south. It is also finds commercial use in insulation, mulch, packing material, and mattress stuffing.
Small ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) is a flowering plant that grows on the surfaces of other plant species, most commonly the southern live oak. Small ball moss is not a true moss, despite its name. This species is native to the southern United States, Argentina, and Chile. It was consumed by the indigenous Pima people of Mexico and can also be fed to animals.
Octopus plant, or Tillandsia caput-medusae, gets its Latin name from the Greek Medusa, an evil creature whose hair was made of snakes. This variety of air plant can tolerate more sun and less humidity than other varieties.
Air plant (Tillandsia ionantha) is a plant species native to Central America, Mexico, Costa Rica, and South America. The Air plant has become naturalized in Florida. This species is a popularly sought-after air plant for home cultivation. It is popular because it is considered hearty and requires minimal care. Air plant grows best in warm, humid rooms with occasional misting with water.
Graced with strong, silvery leaves, Air plant (Tillandsia xerographica) is one of a number of species colloquially known as “air plants.” This name references their preference to grow, suspended, in the highest branches of tropical trees. Quite remarkably, the Air plant does not necessarily need soil, instead absorbing water through its leaves.
Spreading airplant (Tillandsia utriculata) is native to Florida and Georgia within the United States. The Spreading airplant is also often called the giant airplant. This species is the host of many native invertebrate animals because it can hold a great deal of water in its leaves. It is susceptible to the invasive weevil Metamasius callizona, which has a profound effect on its native ecosystem.
Airplant (Tillandsia stricta) is a miniature tropical plant that makes a great addition to a terrarium or an enclosed indoor garden. The lush green leaves fan out from the center, growing thick and bushy as it matures. It produces clusters of eye-catching, pinkish-purple flowers that rise up above the plant on a green spike. Prefers bright indirect sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Water-loving: soak twice a week or mist three to four times weekly.
Bulbous airplant(Tillandsia bulbosa) is a species in the genus Tillandsia. It is widespread across Central America, the West Indies, southern Mexico (Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatán Peninsula), and northern and eastern South America (Venezuela, Colombia, the Guianas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Alagoas, Amapá, Pernambuco).