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Air plants are low maintenance members of the Bromeliad family in the genus Tillandsia. Air plants are epiphytes that root themselves to the branches of trees or shrubs rather than in the soil. In their natural habitat, they derive their nutrients from the moist, humid air.
When grown as houseplants, they need a regular misting or dousing in water, but do air plants need fertilizer? If so, what type of air plant fertilizer is used when feeding air plants?
Air plants, also known as tillandsia, are becoming increasingly popular houseplants With their unique shapes and textures, it’s easy to see why But when it comes to care, many air plant owners have questions about fertilization. It can seem confusing at first, but don’t worry! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the dos and don’ts of fertilizing your air plant so you can help it thrive.
Why Fertilize Air Plants?
As epiphytes, air plants absorb moisture and nutrients from the air rather than through their roots. This allows them to grow without soil, attached to trees, rocks or other surfaces.
While air plants don’t require fertilizer to survive providing nutrients can encourage faster growth healthier foliage, and more frequent blooming. The key is to fertilize sparingly and properly dilute the fertilizer. Too much can easily burn the leaves.
The Dos of Fertilizing Air Plants
When used correctly, fertilizer can be beneficial for air plants. Here are some dos to follow:
Use a Balanced, Bromeliad-Specific Fertilizer
Look for a fertilizer formulated specifically for bromeliads and tillandsia It should contain equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (the NPK numbers on the label should be equal)
Avoid fertilizers with copper, zinc or calcium, as these can damage air plants. An organic, water-soluble fertilizer is ideal.
Dilute the Fertilizer to 1/4 or 1/8 Strength
Air plants are very sensitive, so the fertilizer solution needs to be diluted significantly. Aim for 1/4 to 1/8 of the recommended strength.
Fertilize Sparingly
Air plants only need to be fertilized every 2-3 months during active growth periods. Any more than that risks buildup and burn.
Mist Leaves Instead of Soaking
Rather than soaking air plants in fertilizer solution, mist the leaves instead. This allows for more even coverage while using less fertilizer.
Use Distilled or Rainwater
Avoid using tap water, which can contain minerals that build up. Distilled or rainwater is best for diluting fertilizer.
The Don’ts of Fertilizing Air Plants
While proper fertilization can be beneficial, it’s just as important to avoid these common mistakes:
Don’t Use Full-Strength Fertilizer
Full-strength fertilizer will certainly burn air plant leaves. Always dilute any fertilizer to at least 1/4 strength before applying.
Don’t Fertilize Too Often
Stick to every 2-3 months during active growth. Fertilizing more often can cause buildup and damage tender leaves.
Don’t Soak Plants in Fertilizer
Rather than soaking air plants in fertilizer solution, mist diluted fertilizer directly onto the leaves.
Don’t Fertilize During Dormancy
Air plants enter a dormancy period in winter when light and temperatures drop. Avoid fertilizing during this time.
Don’t Use Fish Emulsion or Urea Fertilizers
These require soil bacteria to break down and aren’t effective for air plants. Stick to water-soluble, bromeliad-specific formulas.
How to Properly Fertilize Air Plants
Follow these steps for fertilizing your air plants safely and effectively:
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Choose a bromeliad-specific, water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid ones with copper, zinc or calcium.
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Dilute fertilizer to 1/4 or 1/8 strength using distilled or rainwater.
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Mist diluted fertilizer directly onto air plant leaves every 2-3 months during active growth.
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Avoid getting water or fertilizer in the central cup of the air plant.
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Rinse air plants with clean water after 10-15 minutes to prevent burn.
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Skip fertilizing during winter dormancy or when plants are stressed.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common fertilizer-related issues and how to avoid them:
Burned leaf tips – The fertilizer solution was too concentrated. Always dilute to at least 1/4 strength.
Brown leaf edges – Leaves were soaked in fertilizer rather than misted. Avoid soaking air plants.
White mineral deposits – Tap water was used instead of distilled or rainwater. Use clean water when diluting fertilizer.
Rotting base – Fertilizer solution accumulated in the air plant’s central cup. Avoid getting it wet.
Displaying Your Air Plants
Once your air plants are happily fertilized, it’s time to show them off! Consider these fun display ideas:
- Mount on a piece of driftwood or cork bark
- Hang in a macrame or wire plant hanger
- Place in a glass terrarium or cloche
- Arrange in a seashell, on rocks, or a decorative tray
- Display on a set of antlers or mini pine tree
- Group together in a geometric metal basket
- Style on a stack of vintage books or set of horns
- Let them trail down from a mounted plaque or piece of art
The options are endless! Air plants’ sculptural shapes and low maintenance care make them perfect for creative displays anywhere in your home.
Keep Your Air Plants Thriving
While air plants are low maintenance compared to many other houseplants, following proper care guidelines is still important.
When it comes to fertilization, stick to bromeliad-specific, water-soluble formulas diluted to 1/4 strength. Mist leaves every 2-3 months rather than soaking for best results.
Avoid over-fertilizing, getting water in the central cup, and fertilizing during dormancy. With the proper dos and don’ts, you can keep your air plants healthy and happy!
Do Air Plants Need Fertilizer?
It is not necessary to fertilize air plants, but feeding air plants does have some benefits. Air plants only bloom once in their lifetime and after blooming produce “pups” or small offsets from the mother plant.
Feeding air plants encourages blooming and, thus, reproduction of new offsets, making new plants.
How to Fertilize Air Plants
Air plant fertilizer may either be air plant specific, for bromeliads, or even diluted houseplant fertilizer.
To fertilize air plants with regular house plant fertilizer, use a water-soluble food at ¼ the recommended strength. Fertilize the same time that you water them by adding the diluted fertilizer to the irrigation water either by misting or soaking in water.
Fertilize air plants once a month as part of their regular irrigation to promote healthy plants that will bloom, producing additional new plants.
Air Plant Care 101: Part 2 – Watering & Fertilizing
FAQ
How do you fertilize an air plant?
What should you not do with an air plant?
Can I use Miracle Grow on my air plants?
How to encourage air plants to grow?
How to fertilize air plants?
When it comes to fertilizing air plants, you have several options: This type of fertilizer is specially formulated to meet the unique nutrient requirements of air plants. It typically contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) in a balanced ratio.
Do air plants need a balanced fertilizer?
A balanced fertilizer will provide your air plant with the necessary nutrients for overall health and growth. Air plants are sensitive to high concentrations of fertilizer and may suffer from burning or damage if not properly diluted. To avoid this, dilute the fertilizer to half strength or less before applying it to your air plant.
How often should I fertilize my air plant?
To avoid this, dilute the fertilizer to half strength or less before applying it to your air plant. Unlike many other plants, air plants do not require frequent fertilization. Instead, apply fertilizer once per month during the growing season (typically spring through fall).
Can air plants survive without fertilizer?
Air plants are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants or structures instead of in soil. As a result, they absorb nutrients from the air and water around them. While they can survive without fertilizer, providing regular nutrients can promote healthier growth and more vibrant colors in your air plant.