Air carnations, everything you need to know to care for them

2024-03-01 15:00:00

The best way to water air carnations is by spraying the leaves with rainwater. Discover all the care you must take to see this plant bloom.

Last update: March 1, 2024

Tillandsia It is a genus of plants better known as “air carnations” that has more than 650 species. It grows naturally in forests and deserts throughout the American continent, and it is one of the favorite plants as decoration in homes thanks to its beautiful flowers.

Like any plant, it needs certain care for its flowering. Luckily, it is not necessary to take too many precautions, beyond finding a good place at home and providing it with the humidity it needs, among a few other aspects. Discover, below, everything you need to know to care for air carnations in your home.

What are the types of air carnations?

Before knowing their care, it is important to know how these plants are classified. That way, you can adjust or fine-tune the care depending on the case. Although there are 650 species, we can divide them into two large groups: green foliage and gray foliage.:

• Green Foliage Air Carnations. Also known as Tillandsias Mesophilous, are those that—naturally—inhabit areas with warm temperatures and little lighting. It is more advisable to grow them in pots and in partial shade.
• Gray Foliage Air Carnations. Beyond their name, they can also have white or bluish foliage. Its correct name is Tillandsias xerophytes, and can be grown in the sun if there is sufficient environmental humidity.

How to care for air carnations correctly?

Carnations of the air are known for their unique beauty and basic care.

Air carnations are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on other plants or substrates, but are not parasitic.. That is, they use these only as support to sustain themselves, but not to obtain their nutrients.

Below you will find a complete guide on the care of air carnations. Keep these epiphytic plants in optimal conditions to enjoy their flowering. Take note!

Location

When you bring an air carnation home, the first thing you have to choose is the best place for it. It’s a plant suitable for the interior of your home as for the outsidealthough everything will depend on the temperature in the area where you live.

Keep in mind that it is a tropical plant, so you can leave it outside if you live in a place with a humid, temperate climate. On the other hand, if it is too cold outside, it is best to stay inside your home.

On the other hand, the Tillandsias They can be placed on many substrates such as: wood, cork, stone and even hung in the air. This allows them to absorb water and nutrients from the air through the scales on their leaves.

Climate

The ideal ambient temperature for an air carnation ranges between 10 centigrade minimum and 30 centigrade maximum. Outside this range, the plant could suffer damage. Be especially careful in winter, since the Tillandsia does not tolerate frost well at all and the weather too cold.

Lightning

Air carnations need sunlight, but make sure the rays do not hit them directly or their leaves could burn. It is best to find a space at home that is near a window, in partial shade..

Irrigation

Irrigation is done with bottled water – better if it is rainwater –, wetting its leaves with a sprayer. The degree of humidity your air carnations will need, once again, depends on the area in which you live.

If you live in a rainy and humid area, you can spray the plant once a week. If you live in a dry region, it is best to do it every day. On the other hand, if it is too hot and there is little humidity, once or twice a week you can submerge the plant in water. Let it dry well and make sure that no water remains between its leaves, as they could rot.

soil fertilizer

Las Tillandsia They use specialized roots called rhizomes for support, but not for the absorption of water and nutrients. This makes it unnecessary to plant them in the ground.. Every 15 days, you can spray your plants with water diluted in fertilizer. Also, you will need a fertilizer for air plants.

Reproduction

To see your air carnations full of colorful flowers, you need to take care of them in the right way, providing them with the lighting, water and fertilizer they need. Flowering occurs during the spring and summer monthsand right after this moment shoots will begin to grow around the mother plant.

If you want to reproduce them or plant them and see new flowers, you will have to cut their cuttings. However, don’t do it right away; It is best to wait for them to grow before separating.

Separate the plants by removing the young branches from the old ones. After transplanting them, children of the carnations will be born around the mother plant, like a kind of colony.

Pests

Fortunately, Air carnations are very resistant plants, and it is not common for them to be attacked by pests.. However, they are not exempt from unwanted bugs landing on your carnations, especially due to contagion from a nearby plant or due to excess humidity.

The red spider is the most common pest and can attack air carnations in dry environments, leaving them pale. To remove it, you can wash the plant with soapy water and increase the environmental humidity. Aphids, mites and fungi could also appear.

What does it mean to have an air carnation at home?

Many people attach spiritual meanings to air carnations.

The plants of the genus Tillandsia They have existed for 30 million years. This means that countless civilizations, throughout history, have recognized its value and enjoyed its beauty, and have even created stories around it. In fact, There are stories that indicate that the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas used them in food, medicine and ceremonies..

Other cultures outside the American continent have also given this plant a spiritual meaning. For example, the Chinese belief system feng shuiwhich is focused on the harmonization of the environment, considers that Air carnations symbolize spirituality and purity because they can grow in the air.

Additionally, for many people, an air carnation at home can represent much more than just a decorative plant. It is believed to attract good luck, prosperity, harmony and abundance.

Decorate your home with air carnations!

A plant without roots may look strange, which may make you think it is difficult to care for. However, nothing could be further from the truth: air carnations do not require more than some basic care.

Their ability to obtain nutrients and water from the air makes them very resistant plants, and they are one of the ideal options for decorating a corner of your house.