16 Various Ways You Can Display Air Plants

We have always known that all plants need water, light, air, and soil to grow. But that is only partly true! There is a whole genus of plants that do not need soil but are still dependant on the other two. They go by the moniker Tillandsia a.k.a Air Plants.

How did you ask? Well, it is quite simple; air plants obtain all of their needed nutrients from the atmosphere around them. Therefore soil matter is no necessity for their growth. This, in turn, reduces the time and the intensity of care they require by almost a half.

Watering is done only once a week, whereby you soak them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes. They are then hanged to dry off and then put back to their place of habitation. On illumination, they require either bright, indirect sunlight or well regulated artificial lighting.

Air plants are consequently low-maintenance plants that flourish in any setting. Be it your residence, office or classroom. Although, you will face many scenarios that you will meet the dilemma of where to place them, or rather how to display them.

What are Air Plants?

There are several varieties of air plants that you can select from. We have the Funkiana that looks like a miniature coniferous crop. There is the Tetorum that looks like a green octopus and the Xerographia that looks like a paper-made flower. Others are the Bulbosa, Caput Medusae, and air plants, Ionantha, to mention a few.

See more of a wide variety of other air plants.

Various Styles Of Displaying Air Plants

For these unique looking plants, you need quite a presentation to flaunt them. Unquestionably, their occupancy could be the one thing your desktop needs to look better. They turn a rather dull location to one full of cheer and life. Below are some of the ways you can display air plants.

1. Table-Top Terrariums

A terrarium is similar to an aquarium, but instead of housing fish, it has plants and small animals. Air plants are an excellent addition to your glass tabletop terrarium. Additionally, you may accessorize the terrarium with marbles, tiny multicolored rocks, sea corals, and moss. You may put one or several types of air plants to create an eccentric and versatile terrarium. Feel free to use a glass terrarium of differing configurations, dimensions, and shapes.

Here’s a large tabletop glass terrarium from Purzest that we just might get our hands on. Can you imagine how cute mini succulents will be in here?

2. Open Mason Jars

Mason jars are yet another way you can display your air plants. You should although make sure that you do not completely cover the pot. Covered chalices interfere with free air circulation, which may result in the nutrient deprivation of your crop. But, if the lid is part of the decoration, there is a way out. You may make holes in the cover to allow free air circulation. The air plants maxima’s brilliant purple bloom would look pretty amazing in a mason jar. Don’t get the smaller mason jars though, be sure you’re grabbing the large ones like these ones from Ball to ensure adequate space for growth, your succulents need room to breathe sometimes too!

ALSO READ:

• How Big Do Air Plants Grow?
• Where to Buy Air Plants; Both Online And Offline Joints/Buyers Reviews
• How to Water Air Plants

3. Miniature Fairy Garden

Air plants can also call a miniature fairy garden home. Fairy gardens are perfect sceneries that you can place not only one, but several plants. The best thing about fairy gardens is that you are open to doing whatever you desire. Here you can let your imagination run free and wild. Although, be sure to keep your air plants away from the soil. Instead, place them on rocky surfaces, near small water bodies and other soilless surfaces.

If you don’t know what a fairy garden is, then you’re in luck. Read all about it here, you’ll be very inspired to start your own, trust us!

4. Hanging Vessels

Air plants characteristic that they do not use their roots allows one to grow them in any direction. You may cultivate them upside down, right side up, or sideways. As a matter of fact, you may not even know which side is up or down in species with small or little roots. And for this reason, you can mount them in dangling vessels in any form or shape. The vessel may be a woven sisal basket or a metallic spring.

5. Ceramic Sculptures

An air plant like the air plants cotton candy may add glee on a rather dull ceramic sculpture on your bookshelves. These exquisite pieces of art that come in astounding shapes and sizes could be home to the more prominent, bolder species. The air plants may be placed on the edges or attached to any open and unrestricted areas of the sculpture. The arrangement will, however, depend on the model and style of the figure.

The only thing we would suggest is to get very sturdy figures or sculptures. Succulents, houseplants in general, can be quite heavy when watered and you don’t want them to topple over and break! A strong foundation is a good foundation.

6. Metallic Plant Frames

The air plants look exceptionally charming when displayed on metallic plant frames. Well, These frames go a notch higher, allowing you to hang your plants on your wall as a piece of art. You are also spoilt for choice as you may use any kind of metal- golden, silvery, coppery, or even painted steel. The air plants Bulbosa with its wounding leaves and bulb-like appearance would look great on a metallic frame. The frames may be placed at any location from walls to floors to staircases to shelves and also tables or desktops.

7. Geometric Display Shelves

If you are fond of mathematical, geometrical shapes, then you have come across geometric display shapes. The shelves come in diverse configurations and profiles all to the liking of the owner. And they can hold almost all types of air plants. The air plants may then be placed alongside your colorful indigenous rock collection or next to your book set. The mantelpieces may be pyramids, cubes, spheres, and trapezoid, just to mention a few.

8. Concrete Planters

Other kinds of plants may not do so well when grown in a concrete planter. Especially ones that don’t have drainage holes. Concrete planters tend to get too cold in the winter and cool in the summertime, which may not warm the soil efficiently. But for Air plants that do not need soil, concrete planters become ideal. Even the ones without drainage holes are likely habitats. The Tillandsia capitata peach, the Tillandsia aeranthos, and the Tillandsia cyanea types may be placed on concrete planters.

Here are some minimalistic concrete planters from POTEY if you’d like to grab some for your succulent collection. Here’s a full ebook on different types of planters too if you’re not satisfied with these concrete planters.

9. Wooden Planters

Wooden materials added on them an air plant on top of your desk at work looks terrific. The brown color of the wood complements the green, purple or red pigments of air plants. It creates a pop that gives your space personality and an ambiance cherished by many. The Tillandsia Andreana species would look particularly stunning on a wooden planter.

If you want to get a bit handsy on these wooden planters and DIY. Learn how to make a driftwood planter here from scratch!

10. Hanging Bulbs

As we strive towards a world when we waste less and recycle more, old bulbs can come in handy to house air plants. They create such a spectacle, especially when they are cleaned and hung at strategic places such as your patio, dining room or kitchen. Air plants such as the Tillandsia funkiana can grow its quill-like leaves gracefully in a hanging bulb. And they can effortlessly flaunt their yellow leaves and neon orange flower when they bloom.

If you’re having trouble finding some hanging bulb planters we’ve found some for you here from Marbrasse and Luffy Pets Collection.

11. Glass Bowls

Glass bows that have been previously used for small homes for fish can now be used as habitat for Tillandsia plants. Filling one with gravel, accessorizing it with moss, and finally placing your pink-flowered air plants as the centerpiece will be a sight to behold. You are at liberty to use whatever size, shape, or color of bowl you desire.

12. Vases

Vases are yet another site that can be homes to Tillandsia plants. Although for a realistic appearance, consider choosing small jars or ones with small necklines. Otherwise, your Air plant may just drop in. The bigger bolder air plants would look amazing on top of a vase. At least then, you have a long-lasting plant that won’t need constant replacing such as roses or other kinds of flowers.

13. Shells

Shells come in a variety of sizes, configurations, and designs. These calcium-rich pods are an astonishing addition on your windowsill, tabletops, bookshelves, and balconies. And to make them even more appealing, you could add a colorful air plant such as Fuego with its distinctive pop of red-colored leaves. Their ombre pattern that graduates from moss green to a vibrant red-pink could make a plain white shell look marvelous.

14. Chains

A series of chains hanging from the ceiling in differing lengths can be home to a few air plants. For instance, an air plant like the Bulbosa with its folding leaves can hang on a chain. Alternatively, the chain may be accessorized with attached ornate containers on them that the air plants can call home.

15. Crystal Stones

Sparkling crystal stones such as the clear quartz, the black Tourmaline or the purple amethyst could be home to your air plants. First,  you could bore a small hole at the top of the rock to place the plant. But for the hard, impenetrable ones, you may set the plant on the flattest side of the stone.

16. Rubber Artifacts

Whether it is a rubber dinosaur toy or an eraser, either may be used as home to your Tallindsia. Your imagination could be your guide here. You may even use a tennis rubber ball cut in half. As you have seen, the plants blend in with almost everything. You could also bore a tiny hole in your brightly colored eraser and place your air plant.

Are You Inspired Now?

We can confidently say that the places to put or ways to display your air plants are infinite.

Basically, any surface on your household is suitable. You might even display the plants just as they are on your windowsill. As long as the location you chose has ample exposure to sunlight and is well ventilated.

To wrap it all up, do not be held back! Be creative and create a new home for your unique Tallindsia plants. Show us your air plants and planters here in the Succulent Plant Lounge. We have people sharing on a daily basis with helpful tips too!