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Since airplants originally grow in the deserts, forests and mountain regions of Latin America, once kept indoors, they need to be watched closely in the initial month until they have established themselves in their new environment. They love fresh air, good light and humidity- conditions often absent in home! However, since Tilandsias possess the ability to adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions, they often will grow or at least not decline indoors if they are given much of their natural surroundings as possible.
First Thing To Do After Receiving Your Airplant
When you receive our plants, please remove from the shipping package and soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour, submerge upside down. Remove them from water and shake gently to remove any excess water. Shaking excess water from airplants is very important, to avoid plant rotting. Place them up side down in bright light and allow to dry. Do not fertilize plants for 3 weeks following their arrival but be sure to follow directions for light and water.
Tip 1 - Light
- Airplants kept indoors should receive plenty of indirect light from a nearby window. If you see that your plant is not doing well in one position, try some place else.
- Avoid placing the plants near the radiator since it reduces their natural humidity.
- The higher the humidity in the air, the more amount of sunlight will be tolerated by the plant without it drying up
Tip 2- Water
- You can choose two type of watering: soaking or spraying
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Soaking: we recommend soaking the plants in any bucket of water once per week for around 30 min -1 hour and then drying them up side down before placing back into the pots. Soaking is the easiest way to take care of airplants however one must be mindful of drying. Airplants grow naturally in very warm environment that allows them to dry excess water from rain rapidly. In a home setting you can achieve that with proper shaking and placing airplants up side down to dry.¿
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Spraying: we recommend spraying the airplants generously 2-4 times per week, removing them from the wooden objects that they are installed in. Watering should be more freq uent during summer or in dry conditions. Never use tap water where a water softener has been installed because of lack of necessary nutrients.
- Watering is critical indoors since there is usually lack of humidity, especially when you are using air conditioning and/or central heating. In dry conditions, water misted onto the plant often evaporated before the plant has had the opportunity to absorb it. Even if it does absorb the water misted on the epidermis, it may not be enough to overcome a water deficit. The plants will gradually dehydrate and may eventually die for lack of moisture.
- Regulate spraying according to growing conditions. The amount of water required will vary according to temperature, light and air movement.
- A successful way to water loose plants that look dehydrated is to totally submerge them in room temperature water containing a small amount of fertilizer. They should remain submerged for a few hours. Before you place your airplants back to their home place but always shake off excess water. This is very important, as stagnated the water may cause the plant to rot. You can also use this technique as a regular water ritual. We like to give bath our airplants every 2ndor 3rd week.
Tip 3 – Fertilizer
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Spray twice per month with our airplant fertiliser in spring and summer, fortnightly in autumn and winter.
Tip 4 – Temperature & environment
- Airplants tolerate a wide range of temperature from very hot to direct sunlight-down to 8 to 10 degrees depending on plant variety.
- In mild weather, airplants enjoy living outdoors in a sheltered position with good indirect or diffused sunlight.
- Rain is beneficial and the fresh air circulation will prevent any rot.
Tip 5 – Taking care while you are away
- If you go away on holiday, we recommend leaving them outdoors, providing temperatures will not drop down below 10 degrees centigrade.
- In the winter, if you go away for a week or two, they will look after themselves providing you soak or spray them generously before you leave and giving them a bath upon your return.