Air plants, also referred to as Tillandsias, are members of the Bromeliad family. These plants are epiphytes, meaning they do not need soil to grow and that in nature they grow on other plants, such as on tree branches. Air plants come in several varieties and usually have strap-shaped or slender triangle-shaped leaves growing in a rosette pattern, with new growth from the center. They are native to the deserts of Central and South America and, like most plants, can also succumb to sickness and may die unless treated promptly.
How to save a dying air plant
Soak the air plants overnight.
Soaking the plants should be your first action, as this is generally the most effective way to revive air plants. Submerge them underwater for at least six to eight hours to give them enough time to absorb the moisture and nutrients. However, the best is to soak the plants overnight.
Pour lukewarm water into a big bowl that can accommodate an entire air plant. The water level should be one to two inches below the bowl’s lip to provide enough hydration. Submerge the affected plants in the water and keep them submerged. To stop them floating to the surface, tie the plants to rocks or pebbles to keep them underwater the whole night.
The warm temperature gives the plants a gentle bath and revives them. Maintain a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and, after soaking them overnight, remove them and allow them to dry for four to five hours in a well-lit area. This is to ensure that the plants do not stay damp.
Lie the plants on paper towels to help them dry out and get rid of the moisture. Having a fan on medium-low to dry the plants is also helpful.
Check for leaf curling around three days after soaking them overnight. If you notice signs of curling, repeat the soaking process. Submerge the plants for two to three days until they no longer appear sickly or dry. By this time, the plants should have regained their natural color.
Once you see that the plants are revived, limit the soaking to once a week, or every two weeks, for a duration of around 20 minutes. However, if the weather is humid, avoid soaking them. Reduce the frequency during winter, as the plants do not need much hydration during this time.
You can also spray your air plants with a liquid fertilizer once every two weeks or so. The frequency will depend on the climate in your area. By doing this, you will help promote plant growth and vitality. The results are usually visible in a matter of days.
Eliminate dead leaves.
Another way to help revive your dying air plants is to remove the dead leaves. Allowing dead leaves to stay on the stems could restrict the absorption of sunlight and limit air circulation around the remaining live leaves. Gently pull on the leaves; if they are brown and dead they will come off easily.
However, if your pulling causes the plants to fall apart, it could mean that the plants have already died. Check whether there are remaining healthy leaves; if not, you need to dispose of the plants.
Plucking the dead leaves could also keep pests away, since these insects are attracted to decaying leaves. The situation becomes more problematic if the healthy green leaves also become damaged by the pests.
Tips to keep your air plants alive
Remove the chlorine from water.
Eliminate the chlorine from your tap water by leaving the water in a bowl for 24 hours before using it, so that the chlorine evaporates.
Dip the air plants in a container filled with water.
Allow the air plants to sit in a container full of water for a few hours, hours especially during dry weather conditions. This is better than just spraying the plants every few days.
Air-dry the air plants after soaking them.
Air plants should be dried completely after soaking. Shake off excess water and place them in bright light for at least four hours. Make sure to dry off the air plants completely to prevent the development of stem rot.
Place your air plants in a bright spot or under indirect sunlight.
Areas with bright, filtered light or indirect sunlight are ideal for indoor air plants. The plants need direct sunlight, especially during the early morning, but they should not be left under the full sun the whole day. Try to replicate the living conditions of rainforest plants so that your air plants will thrive.
Feed your air plants with the right type of fertilizers.
Apply fertilizers like low-nitrogen bromeliad fertilizer to encourage blooming. However, do not apply too much, as this could burn the leaves.
Maintain a nice, cozy temperature.
Provide a balanced and cozy temperature for your air plants. Ideally, they should be kept in an area with temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. See to it that the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold; air plants do not survive in freezing temperatures.
Sanitize your pruning shears before cutting dead leaves.
Disinfect your pruning shears by soaking them in a solution of water and alcohol before you cut off dead plant parts. This is to ensure that no bacteria from the blades can spread to the plants.
Provide ample air for your air plants.
See to it that there is good air circulation, since enclosed vessels or containers could encourage wet and stagnant conditions. Choose glass terrariums that have wide openings, like fishbowls. Make sure to dry the air plants completely before placing them inside glass vessels.
Conclusion
Air plants are drought-tolerant plants that can survive without soil, since they can grow on other plants, such as on tree branches. These epiphytes have slender leaves and add beauty to your home, but they are also prone to diseases and watering issues. You can save your dying air plants by soaking them overnight in lukewarm water, removing dead and decaying leaves, and preventing pests from invading the plants.
Image: istockphoto.com / Linjerry