Are you an air plant enthusiast? Do you have air plants in your house? Of course, you’d want your air plants to thrive and grow beautifully. However, there may come a time when you notice your air plant dying. Don’t worry, it is possible to revive an air plant when it is dying. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why air plants die and how to revive an air plant that is dying.
Why do Air Plants Die?
Air plants are known for their resilience but there are times that they may still be prone to dying. Here are the reasons why air plants die:
1. Overwatering or underwatering
Air plants are not like other plants that require soil, air plants absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. Overwatering or underwatering can cause the air plant to die. When an air plant receives too much water, it will begin to rot and deteriorate. Not providing enough water to the plant can also lead to dying through dehydration.
2. Lack of Proper Lighting
Most air plants thrive on bright, indirect daylight. Lack of adequate lighting can damage the foliage’s growth and cause weak leaves, which in turn can lead to plant death.
3. Poor Air Circulation
Air plants thrive in environments with good air circulation. If your air plant is placed in an area with no movement, it may experience mold growth, rot at the base, or eventually die.
4. Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Air plants can be sensitive to extreme heat and cold temperatures. Sudden temperature changes or prolonged exposure can damage the air plant over time and eventually lead to its demise.
How to Revive an Air plant
Now that you know why air plants die, let’s get to reviving them. Follow these steps to bring the life back into your dying air plants:
1. Trim Diseased Leaves
Inspect your air plant and trim off any diseased or damaged leaves using a sharp and sterile pair of scissors or garden shears. Removing damaged leaves from the plant can help it recover faster.
2. Soak the Plant
To revive an air plant that is dying or dehydrated, soak it in water for about 2 to 4 hours. Use room temperature water and make sure that the plant is completely submerged in water. After soaking, shake off any excess water and place the air plant upside down in a well-circulated area.
3. Proper Light exposure
Make sure that the air plant is exposed to the right amount of light and at the right time. Air plants require bright but indirect sunlight. They cannot survive in complete direct sunlight, and neither do they thrive in complete darkness. Make sure to place your air plants in a well-lit room with access to indirect sunlight only.
4. Watering
Watering an air plant involves a delicate balance. Overwatering your plant will lead to rotting, while underwatering results in dehydration. To revive a dying air plant, soak it in room-temperature water for 2-4 hours once per week and mist it in between soakings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air plants are a low-maintenance plant that can bring life to any indoor space. They are resilient plants that can recover from dying with proper care and attention. Remember to give your air plants the right balance between light, water and air circulation. Keep them healthy, and they will thrive.
FAQs about Air Plant Care
Can I use tap water for air plants?
Tap water is not ideal for air plants. It contains chemicals like chlorine and fluoride that can harm your air plant. Use filtered, distilled or rainwater for your air plants instead.
How often do I need to water my air plant?
The frequency of watering your air plants varies depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment where you place them. In general, once a week is enough, but you can increase it during summer or dry weather.
Do air plants need fertilizer?
Air plants do not necessarily need fertilizer. However, you can use a liquid fertilizer diluted in water once a month. Remember to rinse the plant carefully after applying fertilizer.
Can air plants grow in soil?
Air plants are epiphytes, which means they don’t need soil to grow. You can mount them on a driftwood or place them on an open container.
