Air plants, which are also called tillandsia, are unique tropical plants that grow on other plants and don’t need soil. Their minimal care needs make them popular indoor plants. But even the simplest houseplants can dry out if they aren’t taken care of. Don’t give up on your thirsty air plant just yet! If you know what to do, you can often bring a dried-out tillandsia back to life. Here is a full, step-by-step guide on how to rehydrate, fix, and care for your air plant again.
Assess the Damage
First, take a close look at your plant to evaluate its condition Are the leaves dried out and rolled inwards? Do they lack their usual plumpness and appear thin or deflated? These are signs your air plant desperately needs water If the base has shriveled or the center leaves pull out easily, rot may have set in from severe dehydration. But don’t throw it out until you try reviving it! Even badly dried plants can recover with proper care.
The Rehydration Process
Soaking is the first step in reviving a parched air plant Submerge the entire plant in room temperature filtered or rain water Let it soak for 2-3 hours to fully rehydrate. Using tap water is okay but allow it to sit out overnight first so the chlorine and fluoride can dissipate. If the plant is very dried out, you can soak it for up to 8 hours, changing the water halfway through. Just don’t leave it soaking for more than 8 hours or it may start to rot.
Once the plant is done soaking, gently shake off any extra water and set it upside down on a towel. After letting it dry in the air for four to six hours, put it back where it was. Proper drying prevents bacterial or fungal growth. Do this again every two to three days until your air plant starts to grow again. Misting the leaves between waterings will provide a humidity boost.
Getting the Conditions Right
Once they’re back together, it’s important to help them recover by making the best growing conditions possible. Air plants prefer bright filtered light. An east or south-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the stressed plant. Daytime temperatures of 65-80°F suit most tillandsia species. Cooler at night is fine. High humidity between 50-80% is also critical. To raise the humidity, group plants together or use a pebble tray.
Ensure the plant has good air circulation. Stagnant air encourages rot and disease. Gently blow on the plant daily or use a small fan to keep air moving. Airflow is especially important if high humidity is difficult to maintain indoors. Watch for signs of new growth like fresh roots or pups sprouting at the base. This shows your rehabilitation efforts are working!
Troubleshooting Problems
Sometimes an air plant won’t bounce back even after watering. Root or stem rot may have taken hold while it was dried out. Check for black, mushy areas at the base. Trim any dead roots or leaves with sterile scissors or pruning shears. Dust sulfur powder on the cuts to prevent infection. Reduce watering frequency to allow it to further dry out and stop the spread of rot.
Fungus could be to blame if you see any fuzzy or white spots. Apply a small amount of cinnamon powder or neem oil solution to stop the growth of more fungi. Isolate affected plants to keep the infection from spreading. With careful attention and the right conditions, the plant should eventually be able to beat the fungus.
Mealybugs or scale insects may also attack distressed plants. Treat with a mild insecticidal soap following label directions. Rinse thoroughly afterwards. Repeat every 3-5 days until pests are gone. Keep a close watch to quickly spot and treat any recurring infestations.
Providing Aftercare
Once your air plant seems back to normal, continue giving it attentive care. Soak it whenever the leaves start to curl inward, typically every 1-2 weeks. Mist occasionally between waterings and fertilize monthly with a diluted orchid fertilizer. Ensure it receives adequate sunlight, warmth and humidity at all times.
Closely monitor the plant for signs of renewed drying or distress. At the first hint of any trouble, repeat the soaking and drying process. With extra TLC during this recovery period, your revived air plant can thrive once again! Proper care after rehabilitation is the key to a long and healthy life.
Don’t give up too soon on a dried out, neglected air plant. Even severely parched tillandsia often respond surprisingly well to water therapy and care. Follow these air plant revival techniques and be patient. There’s a good chance you’ll soon have a happy, healthy houseplant again. With a bit of time and effort, you can bring your air plant back from the brink.
Is My Air Plant Dead?
If the tillandsia leaves start to dry out and get a more pronounced convex shape, it doesn’t always mean the plant is dead. It might just be a little dried out, in which case, you can perk up an under-watered air plant by increasing the frequency of watering and misting. You can even try bringing the plant into your bathroom and placing it on the counter while you take a shower, so all the steam from the hot water will help rehydrate the leaves.
It’s also important to make sure the plant is receiving enough light. In general, bright indirect light is best. To get the right amount of sun for your tillandsia, put it near a window that faces south or east. A tillandsia plant can handle more sunlight if your home is more humid. If your home is dry, don’t put your plant right on the windowsill or it could get burned. Be careful with plants in glass terrariums, too, because the glass can act as a magnifying glass if it’s in a bright sunbeam, and could end up scorching your plant.
Now, eventually, your tillandsia will reach the end of its life cycle and will die. This typically occurs after it flowers, which only happens once in its cycle. However, before it bites the dust, it will produce a few “pups” that can be plucked off and grown into full new plants! Just continue with your regular watering routine, and wait for the pups to get at least ⅓ the size of the mother plant before separating them. They’re still soaking in nutrients from the mother plant while they’re attached, so you may as well wait it out a bit so they can get as much nutrition as they can.
Signs of an Overwatered Air Plant
Unfortunately, an overwatered air plant is a lot harder to rescue than a dry plant, so if you spot any signs of rotting, stop watering immediately until it clears up. If the center leaves are falling out, or the base of the plant begins to turn black or brown, this is a sign that it’s beginning to rot from too much water. Remove any damaged or diseased parts with sanitized shears, put the plant in a sunny spot in the room, and hope for the best! If it looks like it’s making a recovery, resume watering after two weeks, and be sure to shake off all the excess droplets thoroughly!
Want to try growing your own tillandsia plants at home? There are so many creative ways to display them and so many interesting varieties to add color and texture to your bookshelves, desks, windowsills, or anywhere else in your home that could use a little extra greenery. Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to see our full collection, and maybe pick up a cool glass terrarium or hanging planter while you’re at it!
Determining if an Air Plant is Dead | Tillandsia Care Tips by Air Plant Shop
FAQ
Can a dried air plant be revived?
It might just be a little dried out, in which case, you can perk up an under-watered air plant by increasing the frequency of watering and misting.
How do you fix a dry air plant?
To do this, soak your air plants in a bowl of room temperature water for one to two hours. After soaking, gently shake off the excess water. Then, place the plants on a towel in a bright space. Place the root side up so that it can adequately dry within a couple of hours, thus preventing rot.
Can dried out plants be revived?
Rehydrate the Soil Gradually infuse moisture into the soil, allowing it to permeate and revitalize the root system. Thorough saturation is the goal, evidenced by water gently seeping from the pot’s drainage holes.
How do you save a crispy air plant?
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Revive an Air PlantRemoving Dead Leaves and Roots. Carefully examine your air plant and look for dead or dying leaves and roots. Rehydration Process – skip this step if you have overwatered your plant. Provide Adequate Light and Air Circulation. Reintroducing Nutrients. Preventing Future Issues.
How do you revive a dried-out air plant?
The next step in reviving a dried-out air plant is to give it a good watering. Soak the air plant in a bowl or bucket of rainwater or pond water, which contains nutrients the plant needs without water treatment chemicals found in tap water.
How do you take out an air plant?
Leave it in the bath for an hour or so, then take it out. While your air plant is upside down, give it a few light shakes to make sure water isn’t building up in its leaves. Tip the air plant upside down or on its side to ensure it has fully dried out before placing it back in its container. Pooling water can rot your air plant, so don’t skip this step.
How do you revive air plants with brown leaves?
When I see brown leaf ends on my air plants, I soak them in lukewarm water for a while so the leaves can soak up all the water they need. Then I move the plant to a cooler spot out of direct sunlight to let it recover.
How do you know if an air plant is dry?
Brown tips: Leaf tips that are brittle, dry, and brown can be a sign of underwatering and/or low humidity. Curling leaves: A dried-out air plant’s leaves will curl to conserve moisture. Closed shape: Your air plant’s leaves may pull inward rather than staying wide open to slow transpiration and save water.
How do you revive an air plant?
There are several things you can do to revive a plant. Here are the steps I take to help my air plants regain their health. The first place I always start when I’m reviving an air plant is with watering.
Can You revive a rotting air plant?
In some cases, it is possible to revive a rotting air plant. Trim away the rotting areas with a pair of scissors or a knife. Then, let the plant dry for 7-10 days and follow my step-by-step guide above. Keep a close eye on the plant and be patient, the recovery process can be slow.