Air plants are a unique type of plant that can survive with very little water and no soil. They absorb moisture through their leaves, which makes them perfect for people who don’t have much time to care for traditional houseplants. But do air plants like humidity?
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Understanding the ideal humidity levels for air plants is key to keeping them healthy and thriving in your home. In this article, we will explore what kind of environment air plants are used to in nature, if they grow well in bathrooms, and signs that they need more or less humidity!
Air Plant Humidity Preferences
Since air plants don’t grow in soil and don’t have roots to soak up water from, it’s much more important to have your air plants in the correct humidity environment compared to other houseplants.
To answer the question – do air plants like humidity? The answer is it depends on which variety of air plant, but in general, yes they do like humidity! The majority of air plants thrive in a humid environment compared to a dry climate.
Air Plant Natural Habitat Humidity
The majority of air plants live in mesic environments (humid, near water, high concentration of water in the air year-round). There are a few that can be found in desert (xeric) environments, but for the most part you’re likely to have a Tillandsia that prefers humid environments.
Many of these air plants will be found on cliffs near the ocean, in dense forests or rainforests. These plants expect it to stay humid throughout the year.
Is Growing Air Plants in the Bathroom a Good Idea?
That’s why growing air plants in bathrooms is a good idea! They’ll enjoy the regular humidity coming from the shower, as this is probably the most humid area of your home. Just keep it away from window-sills or heaters to avoid major temperature fluctuations to encourage it to live a long time.
Do Air Plants Like Humidity? Maintaining Their Preferred Environment
Now that you’ve figured out that your air plant likes a humid environment, learn how to keep it in a more controlled environment that matches it’s needs and know how to recognize if it needs more or less humidity.
Signs of Excessive Humidity On Your Air Plant
The main symptom of excess humidity is the leaves becoming slimy and soft. The base of the plant may look like it’s starting to rot. It’s still possible to save them, but you will want to move them somewhere less humid as soon as you see this happening. This could be away from a humidifier if you have one on, in a room with air conditioning or in a slightly sunnier spot to try and help it dry out.
Air circulation matters too! If your air plant is in a space with excessive humidity, the case could be that it’s not getting enough air flow. Blocked air flow can increase the moisture in the air around your plant, and stagnant air can quickly cause mold and mildew growth on the leaves which is not healthy for your plant.
Symptoms of a Too Dry Climate For Your Air Plant
Browning tips is a sure sign that your air plant is not getting enough humidity. You may also notice that the leaves of your air plant are curling up or starting to dry out.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to increase the humidity in your home! Try misting more frequently, moving your air plant close to other plants, or adding a humidifier to help keep moisture levels consistent and higher than what they currently are at.
If there are a lot of brown tips or leaves, you can also trim your air plant.
Do Air Plants Like Humidity – In Summary
Overall, do air plants like humidity? The answer is yes! But it also depends on the variety and their natural habitat. Generally speaking, most prefer a more humid environment, which is why having air plants in bathrooms can be a great idea.
