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Houseplants that survive on mist – and don’t need soil
FAMILIAR with air plants? They are set to become the new houseplant craze, with no soil needed and only the occasional mist. In fact, air plants take even less looking after than cacti.
Air plants, which come from South and Central America and the southern US, have no roots to plant in soil. And they can create all sorts of looks, from trailing foliage to more structured specimens, whose leaves change colour to fiery red and produce bright flowers.
“The thing about air plants is that they don’t take up much space, there’s no mess or soil-borne fungus or gnats. They are structurally interesting and very low-maintenance,” says specialist Andy Gavin, who won a gold medal at every RHS show he attended in 2018.
“Air plants are highly collectable. There are around 700 species in the wild, hybrids and so much variety. You can have one species and 10 different forms of it,” adds Gavin, who runs Andy’s Air Plants in Cornwall. Curious to learn more? Let Gavin introduce you to the mesmerising world of air plants.
Which ones can you buy here?
“You can find air plants in garden centres, a few nurseries and a few online sellers in the UK. There are about 30 species that are easily available, all in the genus Tillandsia,” says Gavin.
Tillandsias are in the bromeliad (or pineapple) family. The ones you are likely to come across include Tillandsia ionantha (which means purple flower).
“Most tillandsias have a very minimal root system, which is just used to adhere to a surface, whether it’s a cliff base or a tree. In the wild, they grow epiphytically (on other plants or surfaces) on cacti or even telegraph wires,” Gavin adds.
“The roots don’t take up any moisture or nutrients. That’s all done through the leaves.”
Do they flower?
“Yes, the bromeliad is a flowering plant family. All members of the species flower, and the flowering is hugely varied in tillandsias. You can have white, yellow, red, lots of lilacs and purples,” says Gavin.
Sometimes the petals are tubular, which then open up, while others have bi-coloured flowers. A few are fragrant.
Tillandsia multiflora is one of the many species that changes colour when mature and about to flower. The ionanthas also change colour from green/silver to a fantastic red.
Where should you put them?
All air plants need plenty of natural light.
There are two main categories: the silver ones, which are dry growing, and the green ones, which are wet growing.
Silvery-leaved species will grow better in higher light levels, so they can be put in direct sunlight. Species that are covered with fine hairs/scales or trichomes, and species with fine leaves need good air movement and quick drying.
Gavin says: “The best situations in the house for the silvery types is a south- or very bright east- or west-facing spot. The more sun you give them, the better.”
Tillandsia types which are green or darker in colour, often with wider, shorter leaves and fewer or no visible hairs or scales require lower light levels, and will grow happily with less air movement in a more humid environment.
Can you put them outside in summer?
“Yes,” says Gavin. “The silver-leaved varieties love being outside in summer, where there’s really good air flow.
“The green-leaved species, which come from more humid environments like the Florida swamps, prefer more humid conditions, out of direct sunlight.”
Their general hardiness is 4-5C, so they will need to be inside during the cooler months.
Is there a rule for misting?
Silver types need wetting and drying. The drying is important. They need good air flow around them and, once misted, must be dried quickly.
“Give them a little mist in the morning, then they have the day in a sunny spot to dry, says Gavin.
“Mist them once a week in the winter, but in summer when you have good light levels and a lot of sun, you can mist them more.”
In terms of maintenance, as well as misting, once a year you can peel off the oldest dying leaves and maybe trim the ends of the leaves.