Bringing Your Air Plant Back to Life: 3 Easy Ways

Air plants, also known as Tillandsias, are unique and interesting houseplants that thrive on air and moisture instead of needing to be planted in soil. 

Despite their low-maintenance reputation, even air plants can suffer from neglect. But fear not, plant parents! With a little detective work and some TLC, you can bring your air plant back to life.

Step 1: Air Plant Diagnosis

Just like any patient, we need to diagnose the problem before we treat it. Here’s how to identify what’s ailing your air plant:

Underwatering Symptoms:

• The leaves feel dry and crisp to the touch.
• The leaves curl inwards, becoming thin and wiry.
• The whole plant appears shriveled and loses its vibrant color.
• The silvery trichomes (tiny hairs) that absorb moisture lose their fullness.

Overwatering Symptoms:

• The leaves feel mushy or soft instead of firm.
• The leaves turn brown or black and become translucent.
• The base of the plant feels mushy or rotten.
• There may be a foul odor coming from the plant.

Step 2: Taking Action to Revive Your Air Plant

Once you’ve identified the issue, you can take steps to revive your air plant:

Underwatering Treatment:

• Prepare a bowl of lukewarm water. Rainwater or filtered water is ideal because it lacks harsh chemicals that can harm your plant. If those aren’t available, tap water left out for a day will work too.
• Completely submerge your air plant for 2-4 hours. For very dry plants, an overnight soak may be necessary.
• Gently agitate the water occasionally to dislodge any trapped air bubbles.
• After soaking, carefully remove the plant and shake off any excess water.
• Let the plant air dry completely upside down on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation. This can take several hours, so be patient!

Overwatering Treatment:

• Unfortunately, overwatering can be more challenging to fix.
• Carefully remove any mushy or rotten leaves or roots with sharp, sterilized shears.
• If the base feels soft, try gently squeezing it to remove excess water. Be careful not to damage the healthy parts of the plant.
• Avoid soaking the plant at this stage. Instead, lightly mist it with water a few times a week to provide moisture.
• Improve air circulation around the plant. If it’s mounted on a frame or in a terrarium, make sure it’s not crammed in and has space for air to flow.

Step 3: Long-Term Care for a Healthy Air Plant

Now that your air plant is on the road to recovery, here are some tips to keep it thriving:

• Light: Air plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. A spot near a north-facing window is ideal.
• Air Circulation: Good airflow is essential to prevent rot. If your air plant is mounted or in a terrarium, make sure it’s not positioned where the air gets stagnant.
• Watering: Watering needs will vary depending on your climate and the size of your air plant. Generally, a thorough soaking every 1-2 weeks is sufficient. If your climate is dry, you may need to soak more frequently or mist in between soakings.
• Nutrients: While not strictly necessary, a very diluted orchid fertilizer soak once a month can give your air plant a nutrient boost.
• Grooming: Regularly remove any dead leaves or roots to keep your plant healthy and looking its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of a dehydrated air plant?

Dehydrated air plants have brown, crispy leaves and may look shriveled.

How can I properly water my air plant to avoid drooping?

Soak the air plant in water for 1-2 hours every 1-2 weeks. Ensure it dries completely after soaking to prevent rot.

What causes an air plant to turn black at the base?

Black at the base often means root or leaf rot, usually due to overwatering or poor air circulation.

Which type of fertilizer is best for air plant care?

Use a bromeliad or air plant-specific fertilizer, diluted as per the instructions, once a month.

Is it possible to bring a rotting air plant back to life?

If the rot is not extensive, you can trim away the affected parts and follow proper care steps to help it recover.

Will air plant leaves grow back after damage or removal?

Air plant leaves may not grow back in the same spot, but new growth will occur from the center of the plant if it’s healthy.

Read More: Can You Use Glue on Air Plants?