Air plants, those peculiar, soil-less wonders, have been taking the world of indoor gardening by storm. With their ability to grow without dirt, suspended in air, they are a perfect blend of the unusual and the beautiful. But have you ever wondered how big these little wonders can get? In this article, we’re going to explore the fascinating world of air plants, with a particular focus on their size. So, buckle up and prepare for a miniature adventure into the realm of these tiny titans.
- AIR PLANT SIZE: Approximately 1-3 inches tall and 1-2 inches wide
- 12-PACK / MULTIPLE USES: Use in Containers, Globes, Terrariums, Displays, Vertical Gardens, Party Favors, As A Succulent Alternative, In Weddings & For Events
- EASY-TO-CARE-FOR: Air Plants (Genus: Tillandsia) are hardy bromeliad plants from Central and South America that don’t require soil to grow. Simply soak them in water for 20 minutes once a week and let them dry out. They require indirect, but bright light. A care instruction card from Air Plant Shop will be included in every order.
- HAND PACKAGED & PICKED: Our shippers are trained to only send the healthiest living plants. We pack every kit and plant assortment with quality and care. All our plants come with health guarantee. Let us know if you are not completely happy with your order and we will send you new plants.
- ABOUT BLOOMING / COLOR: Plants will not always arrive in bloom with red and purple color. However, most will bloom 2-3 times a year. See photos for what the non-blooming green plants look like.
What Are Air Plants?
Air plants, scientifically known as Tillandsia, are a type of bromeliad native to the forests, mountains, and deserts of Central and South America. They are epiphytes, which means they typically grow on other plants, trees, or even rocks, and not in soil. But don’t worry, they’re not parasites! They don’t harm their hosts; they simply use them as a support to grow on.
What makes air plants truly special is how they absorb water and nutrients. Unlike most plants that take up these necessities through their roots from the soil, air plants have tiny, specialized structures called trichomes on their leaves. These trichomes absorb water and nutrients directly from the air, rainfall, or in the case of indoor plants, from the water you provide them. This unique survival adaptation allows air plants to thrive in a variety of environments, and contributes to their size and growth patterns, which we’ll explore next.
The Size Range of Air Plants
Air plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from the size of a coin to the size of a football. The most common varieties, such as Tillandsia ionantha or Tillandsia caput-medusae, are compact, fitting easily in the palm of your hand. These types typically grow to about 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) in height.
However, there are also larger species of air plants. The Tillandsia xerographica, for example, known for its beautiful silvery rosette of wide leaves, can reach up to 15 inches (38 cm) in diameter! And the giant of the group, Tillandsia grandis, can stretch up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. Despite these larger sizes, air plants are generally slow growers, taking several years to reach their mature size.
- WHAT YOU GET – 1 healthy Xerographica 5″-7″ wide, the product is wrapped with tissue paper inside the shipping box to avoid damage. It also contains an informative instruction card for initial and long term care of air plants
- MOST POPULAR TILLANDSIA – The Xerographica is hands-down our most popular air plant – it is trendy and classic at the same time.
- DISPLAY – Showcase your air plants in terrariums, bowls, on driftwood or tabletops. Or leave the Xerographica displayed solo to make a statement. The options are unlimited
- XEROGRAPHICA – (zero-grafika) is the “Silver Queen” of air plants. They are endemic to Mexico and the semi desert region of Guatemala. Xerogrpahica produce a spectacular bloom that can be 4 times the plant’s height!
- 30 DAY QUALITY GUARANTEE – All of our products come with a 30-day guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your order, contact our dedicated customer service team and we will replace your product
Factors Influencing Air Plant Growth
The size an air plant can reach depends on a few key factors. Light, water, and nutrients all play a part in their growth.
In their native habitats, air plants receive bright, filtered sunlight. In your home, placing them near a window with indirect light mimics this condition and encourages their growth.
Water is crucial for these air-dwellers, but they don’t like to stay wet for too long. Soaking them in water for about 20-30 minutes every week or so, then allowing them to dry completely, will help them thrive.
And even though they extract nutrients from the air, they still benefit from occasional feeding. Using a bromeliad or air plant fertilizer once a month can give them a boost to grow bigger.
Remember, every air plant is unique, and their growth can also depend on their individual genetics and the specific conditions of their environment.
- Made For Air Plants – Our Tillandsia Air Plant Fertilizer Weekly formula is created for all varieties of air plants including Brachycaulus, Bulbosa, Capitata, Caput Medusae, Ferns, Ionantha, Stricta, Xerographica, and other common Epiphytes. Perfect for air plants grown in planters, terrariums, frames, seashells, glass, metal and wood holders
- Easy To Use – The fertilizer comes in an 8 fl oz. sealed bottle with an ultra-fine mist sprayer designed to mist easily. The convenient pre-mixed liquid formula is ready to use right out of the package. Simply use 3-5 sprays weekly, directly onto air plants, in addition to regular watering and misting
- Enhance Growth – Keep your houseplants healthy with a gentle and well-balanced formula of all the essential nutrients to boost their growth. Our weekly fertilizer helps air plants with leaf growth, root & pup development, color vibrancy, blooms, hydration, and vitality
- Value – The product includes 8 fl oz. bottle with weekly solution formula, trigger sprayer with a leakproof foam liner inside to prevent leakage of liquid, and Air Plant Care Guide with helpful tips. Each bottle can feed houseplants for more than 6 months
- Made in the United States – Our plant fertilizers are made and packed in the USA to ensure quality. If you don’t absolutely love our Tillandsia Air Plant Fertilizer we’ll refund your entire purchase amount within 30 days. Please contact us with any questions or concerns
Giant Air Plants: A Closer Look
While most air plants are petite, the giant species are a sight to behold. The Tillandsia xerographica, often considered the “king” of air plants, can unfurl its silvery leaves into a large, captivating rosette. Another giant, the Tillandsia grandis, can grow vertically up to three feet tall! It boasts long, hanging leaves and a beautiful, long-lasting bloom.
Caring for these larger air plants is similar to their smaller counterparts, but they might need a bit more soaking time during watering due to their size. Also, remember that they may take several years to reach their maximum size, so patience is key.
- CREATE A PLANT PARADISE for schefflera, peporomia, marginata, dieffenbachia, and coffee plants in this premium organic potting soil for indoor gardening. Our Blend meticulously balances drainage needs with moisture retention.
- LIGHT AND FLUFFY to promote air circulation and nutrient uptake, our soil is hand-mixed in small batches to combat root rot. Perlite and other organic materials enhance aeration and water movement through the soil.
- 100% CHEMICAL-FREE and all organic, Jessi Mae Indoor Plant Potting Mix provides the best environment for root growth and development. This leads to better plant nutrition for hardy, healthy plants.
- VERSATILE pH BALANCED indoor potting soil is ideal plants which need strong roots, sufficient water, and adequate drainage.
- MADE IN THE USA with attention to raw materials selection, batching and mixing, Jessi Mae Organic Planting Soil takes immense pride in its quality, right down to our food-grade packaging that adheres to FDA and USDA specifications.
Conclusion
The world of air plants is diverse and captivating, with sizes ranging from tiny, charming species that can sit on your fingertip to larger, grand varieties that command attention. But regardless of their size, all air plants share the same fascinating ability to live and thrive without soil, drawing life-sustaining water and nutrients from the air around them. With the right care, your air plant, be it petite or gigantic, will continue to grow and thrive, bringing a unique touch of nature’s wonder into your home.
