Your air plant may be purple because it is receiving excessive levels of light. Air plants need a certain amount of light to thrive, but too much can cause them to become stressed and turn purple. Too little light can also cause air plants to become stressed and turn purple.
It is possible that your air plant is purple due to a combination of light and environmental factors, such as low humidity, excessive heat or cold, or low water availability. The purple color may also be due to a type of air plant fungus.
If you suspect this is the case, it is important to quarantine the affected plant and carefully check the other air plants that you own. To diagnose the cause of your air plant’s discoloration, you may need to bring the plant to a local nursery or botanic garden for a more in-depth evaluation.
Lastly, many air plants naturally come in purple varieties. If this is the case for your air plant, the purple coloring is natural and harmless.
How do I know if my air plant is real?
In order to verify if your air plant is real, there are a few different steps you can take. First, look at the plant closely and check to make sure it resembles the type of air plant you purchased. It should have long, curved, and pointy leaves, as opposed to a regular houseplant with oval or round-shaped leaves.
Additionally, make sure the leaves are sturdy and leathery but flexible. When squeezed, real air plants should feel strong and not fragile or wilted.
Furthermore, examine the color of your air plant. Real air plants should be a uniform green color, without any discoloration or yellowing. If your plant exhibits any of these signs, then it may not be real.
Additionally, check for any insects or pests on the leaves. Air plants may not attract bugs, as opposed to regular houseplants, so any insects present could be a sign of a fake.
Finally, check for any brand tags or labels. Most reputable vendors and retailers may attach a tag or label to the air plants to indicate it is real. If despite all these measures, you are still unsure if your air plant is real, then you can contact the vendor or grower directly and ask for verification.
How long do air plants live?
Air plants typically live anywhere from 1-3 years depending on how they are cared for. However, some species of air plants, such as tillandsia Ionantha, can live much longer up to 10 years or more. Proper care is essential for the individual species of air plants you have and will determine their lifespan.
Ensuring the plants are given enough water, light, and fertilizer can help to extend their lifespan. Additionally, healthy air plants tend to reproduce more, with pups, or small offshoots of the mother plan, appearing and allowing for the air plants to live longer.
What does a healthy Airplant look like?
A healthy airplant will appear to be vibrant and green in colour. Its leaves will be thick, firm and plump, with no discolouration or drying out. There should be no blemishes or spots on the leaves and no signs of rot.
The leaves should curl to form a rosette shape. The health of the plant can also be determined by the amount of “pups” it has growing off the base. If there are many pups, then the plant is likely healthy as pups will form when the plant has enough energy and nutrients.
Finally, healthy airplants should also feel relatively light when handled, as they don’t require as much water to grow as other plants.
Do you soak air plants upside down?
No, you should not soak air plants upside down as this can cause them to become waterlogged and can lead to root rot. The best way to soak an air plant is to submerge it in distilled or filtered water for about 30 minutes at a time and let it dry upside down afterwards.
When soaking more than one air plant at a time, avoid overcrowding them in the water as the roots can become tangled and inhibit the proper circulation of air and water. Additionally, after the air plant dries off, make sure to move it back to its pot or holder in an upright position.
Can you use tap water for air plants?
Yes, you can use tap water for air plants but it is not the ideal watering method. Tap water contains chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals that can be damaging to plants. If you are using tap water, it is best to let it sit out for at least 24 hours to allow the chemicals to dissipate.
It is also recommended to use distilled water or rainwater, both of which are softer on the air plants and will help them to thrive. Additionally, you should never let air plants sit in the water. They should be misted or soaked in water for no more than 30 minutes and then allowed to dry completely before misting or soaking again.
It is best to let them dry out for a few days between waterings.
How often should I water my air plant?
It depends on a few factors, such as indoor or outdoor location, the time of year, and the temperature of the environment. Generally speaking, air plants should be watered about every 5-7 days, though during the hottest months of summer, you may want to water them more frequently.
When it comes to specific methods of watering, soaking the plants for about 30 minutes in a tub of water will usually do the trick. After removing from the water, let the plant rest until it is completely dry before placing it back in its home.
As a best practice, water your air plants in the early morning or late evening so the moisture does not evaporate too quickly.
How big do Tillandsia air plants get?
Tillandsia air plants can range greatly in size, depending on the species you have. Generally, they range from around 2 inches to over 12 inches in size. The smallest air plants would be the species Tillandsia ionantha and Tillandsia brachycaulos.
The larger varieties would include species such as Tillandsia fasciculata, Tillandsia cyanea, and Tillandsia usneoides. Although most of these air plants require the same general care, some of the larger varieties can require more attention to keep them healthy.
As the plants grow, they may need more frequent watering and more time in bright indirect light.
Can air plants grow in shade?
Yes, air plants can grow in shade, though they will not grow as quickly or as abundantly as in brighter light. Air plants prefer bright, indirect light, and can be grown in any location as long as they are getting enough light.
When grown in shade, they tend to need more frequent watering, as they will dry out more slowly in shadier conditions. If you are putting your air plant in an area with low light, try to at least get some bright, indirect light for a few hours per day.
Be sure to also mist your air plant with water frequently to ensure it has the right amount of moisture.
How much sun should air plants get?
Air plants (also known as Tillandsia) require plenty of bright, indirect sunlight in order to thrive. Typically, they should receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day. This can be provided by placing the plants near an east- or south-facing window.
It’s important to keep air plants at least 8-10 inches away from all windows, as the direct sunlight of warmer months can cause sunburns or damage to their thin leaves. If you don’t have ample indirect light indoors, you can supplement with artificial lighting, such as LED or fluorescent lighting (about 12 – 16 inches away from the plants).
Besides receiving ideal light, air plants also benefit from regular misting or dunking in water. This helps to replenish their moisture, which is necessary for their health and wellbeing.
What is the lifespan of an air plant?
The lifespan of an air plant varies greatly depending on the type of air plant, the environment in which it is kept, and the care that it receives. Generally speaking, the typical lifespan of an air plant is between two to three years.
Individual species of air plants, however, can have lifespans that range from just a few months to several years. For example, certain species of Xerographica are known to live for up to 15 years, while others such as Tectorum may last for only six months to a year.
In terms of care, air plants require bright, indirect sunlight, plenty of air circulation, and regular watering. Too much direct sunlight and overcrowding can be detrimental to air plants, as can inconsistent watering.
Proper care will help ensure that air plants reach their maximum life expectancy.
Can air plants get too much sun?
Yes, air plants can get too much sun, which can cause them to become dry, wilted, and yellow in color. Signs of too much sun include leaves turning yellow, curling, and even falling off. Sunburned leaves may develop black spots or necrotic tissue.
Too much sun is especially an issue during summer months when the plants may receive direct sun for extended periods. It’s best to place the air plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, like near a window but out of direct sunlight.
Additionally, when it comes to watering, air plants can absorb moisture from the air, however, in hot and dry climates and in direct sunlight, it is important to water them more frequently.
Why does my air plant have brown tips?
Brown tips on your air plant could be caused by a variety of things. First, it could be a sign of dehydration or drought stress. Air plants need regular watering and should be misted thoroughly 1-2 times a week with distilled or rain water (avoid tap water, as the chlorine and other chemicals in it can damage your plant).
Make sure to dry your plant out after misting to prevent it from rotting away.
Second, brown tips may signal a lack of fertilization. Air plants benefit from monthly fertilization (using a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4 strength). Be sure to use liquid fertilizer, as solid fertilizers can compact around the bases of the leaves and cause rot.
Third, it could be caused by sunburn. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaves to turn brown. Aim to give your air plant a few hours of indirect sunlight a day, and make sure to move it occasionally during the summer months to ensure that all its leaves get some light.
Finally, brown tips might occur if you are storing your plant in a place that is too hot or too cold. Air plants thrive in temperatures between 60°F-90°F (16°C-32°C). Any colder or hotter and they won’t be able to photosynthesize properly.
If you’re still not sure what is causing the brown tips, it may be best to take your plant to a local nursery or greenhouse for a professional diagnosis.
What is the easiest air plant to take care of?
The Tillandsia Ionantha, also known as the sky plant, is one of the easiest air plants to take care of. This variety of air plant is native to Central and South America, and is resilient to a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.
They require minimal maintenance and can thrive with just weekly misting and occasional fertilizer. The Tillandsia Ionantha is also adept at collecting moisture from the air, making it even easier to care for.
This variety of air plant sprouts petite, brilliant violet flowers when mature, making it quite a stunning addition to any room or office.
Are Rainbow air plants real?
Yes, Rainbow air plants (Tillandsia cyanea) are real plants – they’re a type of bromeliad from the Tillandsiaceae family that are often found in warm, humid climates, like Brazil and Mexico. As their name implies, Rainbow air plants get their bright, rainbow-striped foliage from the presence of trichomes.
These added pigments help the plant survive in their native habitats, as they’re able to reflect and absorb more sunlight than other species. Rainbow air plants typically grow to be 2-3 inches tall and 5-6 inches wide, and they often appear as puffy, green shrubs.
The most notable feature they possess is their brilliant and vibrantly-colored foliage, which range from blue and red to yellow and even purple. Rainbow air plants are generally hardy and relatively easy to care for – they don’t need constant soil moisture and can be kept in enclosed environments like terrariums without any problems.
With regular watering and adequate light, these plants can thrive and will usually flower after 6-7 months when mature.
Can I spray paint my air plant?
No, you should not spray paint your air plant. Air plants are very sensitive and delicate, and any kind of chemicals, including the ones used in spray paint, can be damaging if exposed to them. Additionally, air plants get their water and nutrients from the air, so painting them could disrupt this process.
Furthermore, air plants are typically light in color and often display beautiful patterns, so painting them could also reduce their aesthetic value. In general, it is not recommended to spray paint any type of plant.