Air Plants (Tillandsia) 101 - Care Tips & Fun Facts!

[@toniannakey8033]

I crochet little hanging baskets for my air plants. I use little suction cups and place them on my windows. I love them and the plants seem to love being there!

[@annieschreck7938]

Too cute!

[@nayanpune4971]

Can you share the pic please ?

[@EmilyFShockley]

Do you sell them on Etsy or anything?

[@tinkabella2481]

now i want one for my hair lol

[@zulemapearce4949]

Metoo

[@mtloke5732]

Then, the air plant will become "hair plant".

[@daniellesoldati6523]

@@mtloke5732😂exactly!…❤👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 🌱

[@kevinong1735]

Great, all-encompassing, yet fun video! Dig that sign on the shelf that reads, “Put your plants in the air like you just don’t care!” LOL!

[@MissSkipperDoodle]

I JUST discovered these plants and I am OBSESSED! This is, by far, the best video I've found. Thank you!!!

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

You are so welcome!

[@Sonworshipper]

I’m sorry, this is THEE coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life

[@samrobinson5130]

I really enjoy antique trinkets and I like to prop my air plants on those. Gives me double joy to look at 💛

[@annieschreck7938]

Love it! Very cabinet of curiosities esque

[@jenniferfitzgerald1796]

Same here love to find interesting bowls etc to repurpose.

[@mollypitcher9380]

@@annieschreck7938🌸🌸🌸

[@mollypitcher9380]

@@jenniferfitzgerald1796🌸🌸🌸

[@mollypitcher9380]

🌸🌸🌸

[@moi3557]

Aquarium water is great for fertilizing air plants.

[@claudiahowell9508]

Sunday seems to be the most popular plant watering day, me too! Excellent video for a new airplane lover.

[@makg.5488]

Just got an air plant as the mystery plant in my ultimate subscription box! I've had one before but managed to kill it within a month 😅 I am very thankful for this video, wish me luck! 🤍🌿

[@annieschreck7938]

Good luck, you got this!

[@tomahawk1556]

Today we learn that , Air Plants are from the family of Tillandsia! Thank You So Much Lady Teacher for the Air Plants ( Tillandsia ) Care tutorial! Stay Safe & Stay Grateful! 🌷🌿🌍💖

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

You are so welcome! Annie

[@lynnburns7663]

You are fabulous !! I purchased an air plant today (I have always wanted one) at a local Farmers Market and I was searching around for how to care for it and whala I found you. Thank you for all your caring information. ❤Lynn,Apex, Nc.

[@annieschreck7938]

Yay all the best to you and your new air plant!

[@margaretchiodo-keller4495]

This video was very informative, and I learned alot. I have a collection of 14 Tillandsia's growing on my kitchen window sill. They seem to be doing well, and I enjoy caring for them. Thanks for giving us some useful information on this plant.

[@abeerm9555]

I just knew about air plants! My plant has been living in water for months now 🤦🏻‍♀️ The most delightful video I've seen about plants! Your smile is so beautiful. Thank you so much for the tips.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

So glad we could help!

[@pranitalakeram9443]

Thanks so much for this wealth of knowledge on air plant. Greatly appreciated

[@andylandypandy4]

This was very educational and fun to watch! Thanks for your advice and tips (:

[@annieschreck7938]

I'm so glad it was helpful, thanks!

[@kevpage]

What a lovely bright and cheerful lady, thank you for this video

[@umapathyjaisi5869]

So lovely. Happy I got to see you. Love your love for the plants. Thank you Lady. ❤

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Great video! I absolutely love Air plants! There are so many beautiful varieties to choose from. I really love how they grow without a soil medium ❤ Thanks for sharing this with us. I hope you have a great day!

[@annieschreck7938]

Oh thank you so much! It is pretty wild growing a plant without soil.

[@TerenceTreeLowery808]

Lovely tutorial on Air Plants! I just acquired 2 Tillandsias, ( Didn't know that 'til today..) here on Maui, (in the tropics) and they have become my new best buds. (pun intended.) Your amiable presentation has taken me to giant leaps in their care and well being as one of the plants has recently bore a newbie so I am better prepared for it's future care. Mahalo a Nui Nui Loa (Thank You So So Much!) from the Hawaiian Islands

[@annieschreck7938]

Oh that's wonderful to hear! Thank you so much and all the best to your new buds!

[@branditillman9590]

This was a really great explanation of air plants! I didn't even know what my air plant was. It's Tillandsia Tectorum! Thank you

[@annieschreck7938]

Oh nice! Tectorum is such a cute one!

[@kathavry]

thank u for making this video!! ust got one and i wanted to make sure my care was up to air plant standards!!

[@nchantgardening]

Don't know why I never saw this video before, but great video! Few things I also want to add is that you shouldn't dunk the xerographica or any bulbous air plants because it has little pockets that can trap water inside and it's hard to shake off. Next if you want to go the cheaper route of fertilizing you can use rain water or a very weak solution of water soluble orchid fertilizer.

[@joshkleingeld116]

i want one so bad thanks lady! im getting on on pay day for shure thanks u make tjis look sooo fun

[@kitty4779]

Thank you so much.tht was so helpful for airplant beginner like me

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Yay glad it was useful!

[@jennifernicoletti6866]

You've piqued my interest! I may just give it a go. Great video full of great info.

[@emilybutler356]

This is the first video of urs I've watched, gave me loads of info and already won me over - now am subscribed. ty and I look forward to more content.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Thank you and I'm so glad it was useful!

[@rachealsherred1102]

This was honestly so frickin helpful

[@alinafournier2714]

Thank you! Very useful as I am a new air plant mother. I want more now that I believe they are not high-maintenance.

[@colleenrenno4884]

My air plants were looking kind of sad. I learned a lot from your video!!! Thank you so much

[@annieschreck7938]

I'm so glad I could help!

[@angryannie7916]

Thanks for input! I just got a 3 of these as a gift a few weeks ago and had no clue how to care for them. One guy said a drop of water every few days now my leaf tips are browning. I will give them a soak immediately!

[@annieschreck7938]

Yay so glad they've been saved!

[@Smiles4Me2]

I love your video! So much information! Sharing & saving!

[@judykaiser430]

This video explains how I failed with air plants before. Thanks for the help!

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Wishing you all the best on your next try!

[@judykaiser430]

@@Mountaincrestgardens I'll be buying from you guys!

[@StitchesbySharonH]

I love my air plants! I started with ten and now have thirty due to them reproducing!! I soak them in a soup bowl with a lid, once a week for an hour. I have three sets that I do. Hint - I never use tap water - only bottled spring water (you could use rain water if you’re someone who collects it) and I never change the water - I just add more bottled water as it evaporates.

[@annieschreck7938]

Oooh your air plants are so lucky! Yes, distilled and rain water are ideal for plants, I just usually can't be bothered #lazyplantparent

[@StitchesbySharonH]

@@annieschreck7938 Haha

[@tobil.5047]

@@annieschreck7938Rain water is really good for air plants. But distilled is really bad for them because there are no nutritions in it. So don‘t water them with distilled water.

[@annieschreck7938]

@@tobil.5047 Yup, same goes for tap water. That's why I suggest air plant fertilizer for all the growers who don't collect rainwater.

[@freyacoldheart4287]

Question... do you soak for an hour regardless of size ? Thanks in advance!

[@kibbsellis9445]

I was thinking this would be a great rv plant. Cute idea to suction them to windows

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

That's a great idea!

[@LietteDupuis]

Great I love it , I discovered those plants today at the garden

[@Felyne1987]

❤🎉 Excellently crafted video & brilliantly guided! Much Obliged! New Sub! 🎉❤

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Aw, thank you so much!

[@BeachJumper]

Your air plant in your hair looks great! wonderful idea.

[@annieschreck7938]

Thanks!

[@ProgressiveDiscussions]

The internet always mentions that are plants are the easiest indoor plants to have successfully. Not really. It is difficult to determine what is the correct amount of water versus too much water that will cause rot. For mesic air plants, I soak them for 30 minutes in my aquarium then shake them out upside down and let them dry that way. For Fuzzy xeric air plants and bulbous ones I just quickly dunk them once per week.

[@user-gj6hn5rc5c]

really detailed, thanks for sharing. In China, there's no any video on any video platform introducing how to distinguish the two different air plants from either dry climate or humid climate.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Thank you and so glad it was helpful!

[@johnmerkowsky7153]

Thank you for quick reply.

[@LizaBMarie]

Oh, I feel so bad for my baby. I’ve been doing the super soaker method, but only for 20 minutes! And I haven’t been shaking it off, so thank you for the info!

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Fortunately they're pretty forgiving! You got this!

[@wilheminaboone1107]

Outstanding presentation! I could feel your energy here in Norfolk, Va. Keep smiling!🤭

[@annieschreck7938]

Oh thank you!

[@virginiadouglas9449]

Well said thank you

[@khay9833]

I'm sorry but I just noticed the air plant hair piece you have and I LOVE IT!!

[@annieschreck7938]

Why thank you!

[@tatapanawasebi]

Thank you for making this video, it's very helpful! I just got 2 air plants from a temple, yes, it's a temple last week!

[@annieschreck7938]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Enjoy your new air plants!

[@EmilyDawn6]

This video is so fun and informative 😍💙💜💚 thank you!!

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

You are so welcome!

[@suedoughnim6665]

I’ve been doing this for 2 years and own over 100 Tillandsia, most of which are thriving. I also know one of the best vendors in the business. This is an all too frequent example of vendors not knowing what they’re doing 101. NEVER use tap water. Distilled water is the best way to go. Air flow is crucial. If you stick your plants in one of those tiny glass globes it’s usually bye bye plant. Not all Tillandsia require a 1 hour soak...In fact most don’t. Drying your plants properly is critical. If water collects on the inside of the plant it will rot from the inside and eventually fall apart and die. After shaking off excess water I position my Tillandsia upside down for 6 hours before restoring then to display. If you follow a “1 size fits all” approach sooner or later you’ll be guaranteed to have dead plants.

[@deborahlcox]

I agree with you on the watering. Her advice on this is wrong. Never submerge air plants and let them dry thoroughly upside down to avoid rot.

[@suedoughnim6665]

@@deborahlcox I actually do soak most of my air plants but 1 hour is usually overkill especially in high humidity.

[@jenquinonspin]

Distilled water is actually not the best - it no longer contains minerals necessary for the plants to thrive. I know many people (one who is an expert and has raised them his while life) who use tap water and the plants are fine. Dunking plants is also safe - let's face it, in nature they're going to get rained on. I think it's just necessary to understand how to balance it - if you dunk the plants, they need to be kept in an area where there's a lot of air flow to help them dry out well - mimicking nature, where they'd have a breeze.

[@suedoughnim6665]

@@jenquinonspin There are no breezes in a 1 bedroom apartment in NY and I challenge anyone to have better success in that environment with rare and expensive hybrids to boot. We can quibble over water although the expert I consult sells many such rare hybrids and to anyone who wants to water a $300 plant with tap water and see it thrive, good luck.

[@suedoughnim6665]

@@jenquinonspin I add Tilly Boost fertilizer to my water so it’s not only distilled water I’m using.

[@pollytiks3885]

Great hair decoration! 😍Thanks for all the great information. I’ll be ordering the plant food. I have a question about the one that looks like tall grass: I’m having difficulty knowing how/when to water it. Mine either dry up or get soggy and fall apart. Suggestions?

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Thank you! I don't normally recommend sticking to a schedule, but it can be so hard to tell when an air plant needs water. Soaking for one hour once a week is a great air plant watering schedule in most environments though!

[@pollytiks3885]

@@Mountaincrestgardens Thank you - I’ll try it!

[@kimmassar9666]

these are my new obsession, so easy to care for! My only question, everyone one line says not to use tap water, i image because of all the chemicals. They say to use rain water. So which is it??

[@annieschreck7938]

Short answer / my opinion: Your tap water is fine, just fertilize occasionally. Long answer: All plants are adapted to rainwater, not tap water. It has the right pH and nutrient levels to support Tillandisia without added fertilizer. The chlorine in tap water is not ideal for them, but they manage just fine. You can remove the chlorine by filtering, boiling, or leaving a wide-mouth jar of water out for ~24hrs so the chlorine can evaporate. Just don't use distilled water--it pulls nutrients out of the plant through osmosis. Some people water air plants with aquarium or pond water to give them more nutrients. If you don't have that, tap water + air plant fertilizer does the same thing. It's also a matter of personal preference. Are you the kind of person who wants buy fancy water for your plants or set up rain water reclamation to maybe notice a difference in their health? Or do you like air plants because they're easy to grow? You can find more heated discussion on the perfect water for Tillandsia in the comments below.

[@Chai_586]

Rain always.

[@olympicslondon2012]

is it just me, or her smile reminds you of Kate Winslet? :) ..thanks for the information, really helpful! stay safe and happy :)

[@D.Frasure]

Those are nice! I need to get some.

[@Ur_Local_Chip]

“I just like to lay me air playnts… plants around things 😆”

[@TheNetsrac]

Very interesting plants, I'll look out for one for sure Thank you for the video

[@BBCEnglishProf]

Great advice. Thank you 😊

[@ProgressiveDiscussions]

I soak the air plants in my aquarium where they get water and a mild fertilizer at the same time. I also let them dry upside down for 2 hours.

[@linhle777]

I like to place them with the orchids they look kind of cool.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Ooh very neat idea!

[@dianecraig1119]

I’m new to air plants, but the first thing I discovered about air plants is that my two cats think they’re the greatest toy to bat all over the place 😮! I’m running out of places to put them where they can’t get to them.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Ah oh dear!

[@viridianteahouse]

Thank you for this fantastic video!

[@PadamaaPaadamaa]

Amazing video with very well explained info and care details.. thanks for the video..

[@linhphan4692]

Great information! Thank you!

[@annieschreck7938]

You're so welcome!

[@lifespendwithfun947]

Good information ma'am

[@SydLyvs93]

my nearest plant store is in the mall , right next to spencers, so i get shot glasses for the plants, and a few rocks if they need a lift

[@antievil]

Liked and subbed cuz of your vibes. Awesome energy. Very informative. Cant wait for more vire

[@annieschreck7938]

Thanks, glad it was useful!

[@AzulaisQueen743]

I do a mixture of daily misting and weekly soak method

[@katherinevidler457]

Really helpful video as I keep buying air plants! 😬

[@annieschreck7938]

I don't think one can ever have too many ;)

[@aliciaslifeinspain]

Thank you for the information.. Just now I learned that there are plants that need no soil. Just air only.

[@fabycolon4855]

Wow! This vid was very informative! ♥️♥️

[@annieschreck7938]

Thank you so much!

[@Superdinoofc]

I just got my first air plant today from my mom

[@pranay9669]

Airplant on your hair..looks beautiful and crazy😅❤

[@tamzin00]

Super interesting!! Thank you

[@CraigsOverijse]

I never managed to keep mine alive with super soaking I one now have it in a glass bowl that is formed around a branch of wood I spray it when I remember with rain water and it thrives sat on the mantle shelf i think the water runs off and makes the atomsphere a bit more moist

[@debrahaynes2767]

Nice and simple... good info

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LizRocklin]

I loooove your logo.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Ah thank you so much!

[@mommayanna]

Really appreciate this video!!!

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

So glad!

[@marion3878]

I loved this video! Ty so much.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@origami454]

Great info. Thanks so much!

[@0Robert]

I dig your HAIR PLANT. ❤ I have a wonderful Tilly, resting in the mouth of a piece of very old Mayan pottery.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

AAHH! We are here for this kind of punnery!!

[@0Robert]

@@Mountaincrestgardens 😁👍

[@BeforeIKicktheBucket1]

So beautiful, great video@!

[@sj6919]

Outstanding, very helpful. Thanks.

[@annieschreck7938]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@sheilahlyles-ol4qx]

Great info!!

[@bettyvanwhite6745]

great and helpful video- thanks!

[@annieschreck7938]

Yay glad you liked it!

[@theone-tg8ds]

Great video, thanks😄 1 question though, I have soaked my air plant for an hour or so and it's leaves turned brown and it slowly died 😢; why do air plants soaked for 1-2 hrs lose leaves/dye ?

[@annieschreck7938]

Oh I'm so glad you asked this question, because this is how most people see their air plant die. If it's been slowly suffering from lack of water or too little light, often you'll see no outward change for months. Then, upon soaking, the air plant instantly succumbs. Nothing wrong with the soaking, it was the slow buildup of subpar conditions leading up to it that caused its sudden demise.

[@domgia9248]

Woops I had mine in moist spagnum, I'll have to figure out better solution

[@john65999]

VERY INFORMATIVE, I WANT ONE NOW, THIS WOMAN IS NOT ONLY VERY BEAUTIFUL, BUT HAS A GREAT VOICE, AND VERY EDUCTATED..AND CUTE WINK WINK

[@tarnishedknight730]

Great video! Love the "blossom" in your hair, gives you a flamboyant (but not too much) cuteness. 1. What plant is it that you are demonstrating misting on @7:47? 2. Where did you get that light bulb terrarium? I've looked all over for them, but can't find them. 3. Is it possible to, and what are the signs of over watering tillandsia? Good growing, to you.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Thank you! 1. Tillandsia ionantha: mountaincrestgardens.com/search.php?facets=DataSource%3ABigCommerce3&page=1&resultsPerPage=32&search_query=tillandsia%20ionantha&sortOrder=0 2. Sorry, that was a container we used to sell but no longer carry. 3. Overwatered Tillandsia can show little black dots on their leaves and will eventually start shedding their outer leaves before completely falling apart.

[@tarnishedknight730]

Thank you for the info. And thank you for the link.

[@georgemyers2062]

Awesome

[@beverlydeardurff5366]

I've never seen such large air plants. Do they grow? I've tried to grow them, but they usually dry up. Even if I put them in a glass globe. They like humidity. I've tried spraying water on them, and soaking them in a bowl of water. I just have a difficult time keeping them wet enough because I usually forget about them. Do you have any suggestions? I've ordered some from a different company and they arrived dried up and one was in pieces. I've ordered from Mountain Crest Gardens. I've used well draining soil and terracotta pots. I've used the wet and dry method. Some succulents I don't have any problems keeping alive. I want to grow String of Pearls. I've used Bonsai Jack's soil. I plant them and wait to water them.

[@annieschreck7938]

They do grow! Rather slowly, though, and some get larger than others. I'd recommend soaking your air plants under water for 1-2 hours each week. You can certainly mist them and keep them in high humidity as well, but the long soak will keep them from getting crispy. And as I say in the video, air plants are slow to react to change, so if you got one from another nursery and it was already dry and breaking, it likely died on you due to the poor care it received before you got it. I hope you give air plants another go though!

[@alieldorado1438]

Don't do the glass globe as they love airflow.

[@myacob2142]

Great video. Thank you. Is it true that air plant is short lived plant.. max of 2 or 3 years?

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Thanks! It certainly varies, but yes, you should expect your Air Plant to live several years before blooming out. Most put out new pups that live on though.

[@myacob2142]

@@Mountaincrestgardens Thank you

[@bluediamond327]

I have one in a pot with onions and its flowering im in Florida these are really common

[@delhog6161]

As long as the moss is alive you can put air plants on it and you will find they root fast and love bing on it

[@JezebelSly]

Thank you!

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

You're welcome!

[@debzehner3958]

I'm trying to figure out if I take my plants out of the little containers to water. Or do they need to grab hold of their containers. If so do I soak whole container or just mist only.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Air Plants should not be left sitting in water for more than an hour or two,. So depending on your setup and if you water by soaking/dunking or misting, you'll likely want to remove them from the containers to soak them or mist them without creating a pool in the containers. Some very mature Air Plants can grab hold of their containers, but they do not need to to be healthy. Hope that helps!

[@debzehner3958]

@@Mountaincrestgardens yes it does help, thank you so much!

[@tikyaejercito3810]

New subscriber here😊 i want to take care air plants too thank you for sharing.

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

You are so welcome!

[@thereselena]

Wow, thanks, Annie, for another entertaining video chock-a-block full of information. I loved my air plant. The only reason I don't have it anymore is because my husband dumped it out to wash the bowl that I was soaking it in! I don't suppose you have any advice for that. :D

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Oh no! Here's hoping another air plant will come your way!

[@teresasedore9508]

awesome video beautiful smile

[@1labuakimegnyerteasegberug596]

Thank you !!!

[@danareed1656]

great video thank you!

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Glad you liked it!

[@local1demo]

Oh wow, I bought one from a person and they told me to mist it 2-3 times a week, soak 1 times per 2 weeks and run under water every 2 weeks

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

You could do that combo watering strategy for sure! I'd just forget which watering I was supposed to do when :)

[@Faesharlyn]

I saw a little kiosk with a ton of them all hanging on copper hooks, the guy said it was the best way to display them I'm a metalworker, so I got one and made it this beautifully wrought copper basket to live in. It literally fell apart in a week, just a splash of leaves Apparently copper is *incredibly* toxic to them

[@Mountaincrestgardens]

Oh no! We hope you try again with a different metal, cause that sounds cool!

[@JULi3T16]

I got a Tillandsia that grows in soil. Is that okay for the plant or should I take it out of the soil?

[@annieschreck7938]

True Tillandsias do not need soil, and extended contact with moist soil can cause the leaves to rot. So if you're sure it's a Tillandsia, I would take it out of the soil.

[@JULi3T16]

@@annieschreck7938 thank you, the older leaves are already yellowing and mushy(?) In some parts. The other leaves are harder and have this white fuzz on it, so I think it is a real one. i'll let the soil dry out and then take it out completely. Hopefully it won't die 🙈