"LIFE IS SHORT, GET MORE PLANTS”
For specific questions not answered on our PLANT FAQ page, email us at bellasbloomshop@gmail.com
Air Plant FAQ
Q: WHAT ARE TILLANDSIAS?
A: Tillandsia is the scientific name for air plants. There are over 600 species and they are part of the Bromeliaceae family.
Q: DO I NEED TO WATER MY AIR PLANT?
A: YES, air plants require sun, water, and air to grow.
Q: HOW DO I WATER MY PLANT?
A: There are a few ways to water your air plant. In all cases, ALWAYS remove air plant from container before watering. After watering, gently shake off excess water and turn air plant upside down to dry. Allow air plant to dry completely before placing back into container.
Submerge entire air plant in water for 1-5 minutes 1X per week. If you forgot to water for 2 weeks or more, submerge air plant for 10-30 minutes.
(Optional) Spray or mist air plant 2-3X per week. This can be done in addition to the methods above for the healthiest air plant.
If tips turn brown, your air plant is telling you it needs more frequent watering!
***Care for air plants will change with the seasons and is dependent on climate. For states with 4 seasons, reduce watering in winters by submerging entire air plant in water for 1-5 minutes every 2-4 weeks.
Q: DO I NEED TO WATER MY MOSS?
A: The moss in our terrariums have been preserved and dyed and does not require any additional care. Each terrarium was designed for easy care and the only item that requires attention is your air plant.
Q: DO I FERTILIZE?
A: YES. Add Bromeliad fertilizer to your misting or soaking routine. See the “FOOD” section in Bella's Bloom Care Card.
Q: WHAT ARE THE WHITE STUFF AROUND MY AIR PLANT?
A: The white stuff around your air plant are hairs called Trichomes. The trichomes are silver/white in appearance and feels like velvet. They are capable of rapidly absorbing moisture and nutrients from their surrounding and allows the plants to survive better in drier environment.
Q: WHAT ARE PUPS?
A: Pups are babies that grow around the base of the parent plant, usually after blooming. When the babies are fully grown, the parent plant will eventually die. Pups are 1/3-1/2 the size of the parent plant. They can be gently broken away from the parent plant or left in place which will result in large clumps/balls of plants.
Q: IS GROOMING NECESSARY?
A: YES, monthly grooming is important to keep your air plant looking fresh and healthy since it is common for air plants to have dried leaves or tips. Groom your air plant by removing dead or dried leaves. If the tips have dried out, you can cut/trim the dried area off.
Q: WHAT IS THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE?
A: Keep your air plant in warm conditions. They thrive in temperatures of 50-90 degrees F.
Q: HOW MUCH LIGHT SHOULD I GIVE MY PLANTS?
A: Air plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Giving the plant enough bright natural light helps the plant color. DO NOT put your air plants in direct sunlight because it will cause sunspots and dry out quickly.
Bright indirect sunlight (southern or eastern facing windows) will help to make color more vivid.North-facing windows can work well as long as the plant is placed close to the window.
Artificial light can be used if it is full spectrum and less than 3 feet away from the plant.
Regular incandescent bulbs do not emit the quality of light needed for photosynthesis.Needs at least 12 hours per day using artificial light.
Q: CAN I PLANT MY AIR PLANT IN SOIL?
A: NO, air plants are epiphytes! They grow without soil and collect nutrients through their leaves. Putting air plants in soil will kill it. Soil absorbs too much moisture and will cause the air plant to rot and die.
Q: CAN I PUT SPHAGNUM MOSS AROUND MY AIR PLANT?
A: NO, putting living moss around your air plant will kill it. Living moss holds moisture and will cause the air plant to rot and die.
Q: CAN I PUT AIR PLANT IN MY TERRARIUM?
A: YES, as long as it has some type of opening to allow air flow.
Q: IS AIR CIRCULATION IMPORTANT?
A: YES, air circulation is important for air plants to receive nutrients and to dry between waterings. If you are keeping your plants in a terrarium, make sure one side is open. Do not place in a moist or enclosed container which can cause rotting.
Q: CAN I PLACE MY AIR PLANT NEAR COPPER?
A: NO. Do not mix air plants and copper. Copper will kill air plants slowly over time.
Q: WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE A BLOOM?
A: Be patient. Air plants only bloom once and can take several months to years depending on its care and environment.
Q: HOW LONG DO THE BLOOMS LAST?
A: Blooms last between 1-3 weeks.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY PLANT BLOOM?
A: Bloom implies growth. Once your plant blooms, it will create a pup (new growth).
Q: WHAT DO I DO WITH THE OLD BLOOM SPIKE?
A: As the mother plant dies and pups take over, the bloom will shrink to nothing. You can always remove it if it starts to look too lifeless.
Q: THE TIPS OF MY AIR PLANT ARE BROWNING, IS MY AIR PLANT DYING?
A: NO, it is common for air plants to have dried tips. Dried tips are the result of too much sun. You can leave it alone or cut/trim the dried tips off.
Q: SOME OF THE BOTTOM LEAVES ARE DRIED OUT OR DEAD, IS MY PLANT DYING?
A: NO, it is common for air plants to have dried leaves. Removing dead leaves will not kill your plant.
WHY SHOP THROUGH US?
BECAUSE WE CARE!
We believe it's important to give back. Every order helps us improve the lives of those less fortunate and protect front-line workers. Aside from our COVID-19 mask efforts, 25% of all our profits go to support charities we care about.
