Yes, most air plants do better in damp places. I’m happy to tell you everything you need to know about air plants and dampness because I’ve been growing them for years. Let’s talk about how to keep your air plants healthy and happy.
The Relationship Between Air Plants and Humidity
Air plants (Tillandsia) naturally grow in mesic environments – places with lots of moisture in the air year-round. While some species can handle drier conditions, most air plants prefer humidity levels between 50-70%. Here’s what you need to know:
Natural Habitat
- Most air plants come from humid tropical regions
- Common locations include:
- Ocean-side cliffs
- Dense forests
- Rainforests
- Areas with consistent moisture
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Temperature: 50-90°F (best between 55-85°F)
- Humidity: 50-70% relative humidity
- Air circulation: Good airflow is essential
- Light: Bright but indirect sunlight
Signs Your Air Plant Needs More Humidity
Watch out for these warning signs that your air plant isn’t getting enough moisture
- Brown leaf tips
- Curling leaves
- Dried-out appearance
- Stunted growth
- Faded leaf color
- Less blooming
Signs of Too Much Humidity
Yeah, you can actually give these guys too much moisture! Watch for
- Slimy, soft leaves
- Rotting at the base
- Black or dark spots
- Mushy texture
Best Places to Keep Your Air Plants
Good Locations
- Bathrooms (my favorite spot!)
- Kitchens
- Terrariums with openings
- Near other plants
- Rooms with humidifiers
Places to Avoid
- Next to air vents
- Near heaters
- In direct sunlight
- Completely enclosed containers
How to Maintain Proper Humidity
Here’s what I do to keep my air plants happy:
-
Misting: Light spray 2-3 times weekly in dry environments
-
Soaking:
- Submerge completely in water for 20-30 minutes
- Do this every 1-2 weeks
- Always shake off excess water
- Let dry upside down for 4 hours
-
Environmental Control:
- Use a humidifier in dry rooms
- Group plants together
- Place on humidity trays
- Monitor room humidity with a gauge
Pro Tips for Success
-
Balance is key! Good airflow + proper humidity = happy plants
-
Different species have different needs:
- Mesic types: Moderate humidity (50-70%)
- Xeric types: Can handle higher humidity (65%+)
-
Seasonal adjustments:
- More humidity needed in winter
- Watch for AC effects in summer
- Adjust watering schedule accordingly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overwater trying to increase humidity
- Avoid stagnant air in humid spaces
- Never leave standing water on leaves
- Don’t ignore brown tips thinking it’s normal
The Bottom Line
Air plants do love humidity, but they need it in balance with good air circulation. Think of them like Goldilocks – not too dry, not too wet, but just right! With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to growing gorgeous, healthy air plants.
Remember that it may take a few tries before you find the best place in your house. If your first try isn’t perfect, don’t give up. These tough little plants usually recover once you get their conditions right.
If you have any questions about your air plants, please leave them below. I’d love to help you find the best humidity level for your space.
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LuEsther T. Mertz Library Plant & Research Guides
This air plant, Tillandsia gardneri, comes from dry but tropical areas in the Caribbean and South America. The photo is from Flickr cc/James Ho.
SUCCULENT CARE | HOW HUMIDITY AFFECTS YOUR SUCCULENTS
FAQ
Can air plants survive in high humidity?
Air plants require high humidity to thrive. By misting them with water on a regular basis or putting them in damp places like bathrooms or kitchens, you can keep the humidity levels between 2050 and 2070.
Do air plants like bathrooms?
The simple answer is yes. In fact, air plants are one of the best bathroom plants. Most of the time, bathrooms are damper than other rooms in the house, and air plants use their leaves to take moisture from the air. The more moisture in the air the healthier the plant.
Where is the best place to put an air plant?
Air plants often grow on trees or in moist areas with partial shade. In these conditions, they receive bright, indirect light. This means that indoors they do best in high light environments. Rooms with southern or eastern facing windows are best.
What conditions do air plants like?
Air plants need moderate indirect light; mine thrive in a spot on a wall in between two south facing windows. To take care of them, just put them in water and let them soak for at least an hour (or overnight if you can). Do this every 7–10 days. People tend to be surprised you can submerge airborne plants underwater, but they love it!.
Do houseplants add humidity to the air?
If you have a green thumb, buying a few houseplants, such as spider plants and aloe vera, can help add humidity to the air as well as purify the air around them. While plants absorb moisture through their roots, they circulate it to their leaves and release it into the air. Some plants are better natural humidifiers than others.
Do air plants like high humidity?
Mesic air plants prefer the humidity range between 50% to 70% range. But the xeric types do best in high humidity and will appreciate anything above 65%. If you can get these factors right, your plant will be a sight to behold in all seasons. How To Find Out What Humidity Your Home Is? Is your home’s humidity range ideal for the air plant?
Do indoor plants like moist air?
Most indoor plants like moist air as well as moist soil. Here’s how to keep your plants humid and happy. A lot of houseplants are from tropical environments, where the weather is warm and humid. To keep them healthy and prevent dry leaves we need to mimic those humid conditions at home. The basic things to know about humidity:
Do air plants like cold weather?
Air plants love warm weather, so it’s the other end of the thermometer you need to watch. Protect your plants from anything colder than 45°F; they die at those temperatures. If you live in USDA Zone 9 or warmer, you can grow an air plant outdoors all year if you keep it dry during the winter. Air plants thrive in high humidity.
Can air plants grow without soil?
Learn the best way to grow air plants, the trendiest houseplants around that will thrive for years without any soil. Air plants seem almost otherworldly in the way they grow, well, just in air. Yep, no soil at all is required in order to grow air plants. Plus, their leaves look a bit like alien tentacles or the appendages of an exotic sea creature.
Can air plants live in a bathroom?
Yes! Air plants thrive in high humidity and will appreciate being in a humid environment like the bathroom. To be safe, place them away from direct sun, and allow them to soak in the humidity. You are better off mounting them to prevent them from being in direct contact with water for prolonged periods.