17 Interesting Air Plant Facts

Fun and Interesting Air Plant Facts

Air plants are some of the most fascinating plants around. Not only do they look cool, but they also have some pretty interesting facts about them. For example, did you know that air plants don’t need dirt to grow? Or that they can survive in a variety of climates? Also, if you’re curious about air plants, then check out these 17 interesting facts. You might just learn something new!

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Our 17 Interesting Air Plant Facts include:

1.  Air plants are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
   1. In fact, these intriguing plants need just a misting and the occasional dunking (or good soaking) to keep them quite happy. Most need only slight or filtered light.
2.  They don’t need soil to grow. They get their nutrients from the air and the water they soak up.
   1. It’s true. They usually grow on trees or brush, though some prefer being closer to the ground.
3.  Air plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
   1. Yes, you will find them in various shapes, sizes, and even colors!
4.  They make great additions to any home or office décor.
   1. Because they need minimal care and no soil, they keep quite easily anywhere. And your guests will find them quite intriguing!
5.  Air plants can be used to purify the air in your environment.
   1. They provide a good air filtration (purifier) for their size. And since they are easy to keep, you may want to add several around your home or office.
6.  They’re perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time to spend on plant care.

   1. Minimal care and easy to keep healthy- what more could you want?

7.  Most air plants are epiphytes but some are lithophytes.
   1. Epiphytes plants grow on the surface of a plant and derive needed moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, dew, or water.
   2. Lithophytes are plants that grow on rocks or in the crevices of rocks. Like Epiphytes, they do not root into the soil.
8. They are members of the Bromeliad family (so are pineapples! Yes, they are cousins)
9. They absorb nutrients and moisture from the air using Trichomes.
   1. Trichomes of these plants refer to the tiny appendages that absorb water and nutrients.
10. Air Plants use a unique form of photosynthesis to exchange gases and breathe at night. Other plants do so during the day.
    1. Some plants provide oxygen to us during the day; the Air plants do so at night!
11. Many have flowers, but most of these flowers contain no scent.
    1.  The exceptions:
       1. T.diaguitensis has a citrus aroma;
       2. T.Cyanea smells like nutmeg
12. They reproduce with offsets known as pups.
    1. Similar to the spider plants spidettes, the air plant pups form new plants off the parent plant.
13. Some air plants have pseudobulbs which are mostly empty cavities.
    1. Interesting note: Wild ants often form colonies in these in the wild.
14. In some areas, air plants grow wild. This is especially true in very warm humid climates and also in dry climates for other varieties.
15. They love dirty water! Ponds, aquariums, and other waters offer them a flavorful and nutrient-filled drink.
16. Air plants from drier climates host fuzzy leaves and a silvery or dusty surface. These require much less watering and should not be in direct sun.
17. Many species are listed as threatened due to habitat destruction and over-collecting.
    1. What better reason to keep domestically raised air plants around your home and possibly propagate a few to share with friends!

How do we display our air plants?

We actually love the many ways that air plants share our home. In fact, we even made a video to show two ways that we find quite interesting for our air plants!

In addition, this is the first of our YouTube Videos. Watch, like, and share! And of course, subscribe to our website and our channel to show your support and receive updates.

Did You Learn Some Interesting Air Plant Facts?

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts. That’s it for our fun facts about air plants! Do you have any questions about growing or caring for air plants? Leave us a comment and we’ll do our best to answer them. And don’t forget to check out our online shop for all your air plant needs! Thanks for reading.

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