Green Thumb Not Required?

I grew up in a house surrounded by house plants tended to by my mum. She has a natural ability when it comes to gardening and plants in general. I love the idea of growing things but I have come to understand that my dabbler approach does not support a long term commitment to growing plants. I would always get excited about a new plant or garden and then eventually forget to water it day by day, week by week, until one day, I would notice that it had died.

So knowing this about myself, what did I do? I purchased a small selection of air plants at West Elm that caught my attention. Because, that's what dabblers do. We tell ourselves, "it will be different this time."

Photo Many Minis

Apparently, these plants do not require much maintenance which makes them very appealing to someone like myself. Given that they grow without soil and require only an occasional shower, how hard can it be? Well, let's find out.

Several Etsy shops, such as toHold, sell beautiful specimens.

 

According to Tillandsia International, an air plant wholesaler, air plants require bright but filtered sunlight from April to October and direct sunlight from November to March. It is important to avoid direct sunlight during the summer months to prevent burning the plant.

Watering the plant consists of wetting them thoroughly 2 - 3 times per week and allowing it to dry. If the plant deso not dry completely within 4 hours then it may not be getting proper air circulation. Many Etsy sellers note that these plants require a shower only one time per week. If in doubt, you might be able to tell if your plant is being under-watered if you notice an exaggeration of the natural concave curve of each leaf (or so I have read!) Also, never leave the plant to sit in standing water which could kill it.

 

Photo The Living Art 

For non-dabbler types, you can even purchase a Bromeliad fertiliser (air plants belong to the Bromeliad genus) to encourage your plant to bloom. Tillandsia International, also offers some helpful instructions for grooming your air plant to keep it looking spiffy.

One of my favourite bloggers, Emma of the marion house book, has a nice collection of air plants.

 

Admittedly, my favourite thing about air plants is the different ways they can be displayed. They are beautiful in contemporary interiors, adding just the right mix of minimalism and exoticism. These are not your grandmother's African violets .

Here are some of my Etsy favourites for displaying airplants:

Gray Stained Barn Wood, with Coral Branch, Air Plant Holder and Wall Hanging from Barnwood Blooms.

 Black and White Geometric Air Plant Holder found at MelissaMayaPottery.

 

Collection of Faceted Porcelain Air Plant Holders from JanelleGramling 

I finally opted for a glass bowl with an asymmetrical rim that I also found at West Elm to create my terrarium-style display. I added some sand and a few rocks I collected from beach walks to create my micro environment.

Although air plants do require less maintenance then other plants, they are sensitive to light conditions and air circulation. And, I must still pay attention to them at least once a week even after their novelty has worn off. It remains to be seen if this is the right plant for a dabbler. In the meantime, I had better go and give my new plants a shower!