Air Plants are perennial plants that grow really fast. They are drought-smart, easy to grow, look fabulous as decor pieces, and are extremely popular among plant lovers. Why? Tillandsia plants need no soil to grow – they attach to almost all kinds of substrate, living or non-living. Thus, keeping them becomes less messy. These low-maintenance air plants are also thoroughly adaptable, flower at specific times, and are available in more than 500 types. So, the choice is abundant.
The fact that air plants can grow just about anywhere, drawing moisture from the air, and have a bare minimal root system, any kind of holder ranging from ordinary pots to stylish planters look suitable for display. You have innumerable choices, from fashioning existing household items as air plant holders to finding air plant pots for sale online and buying them from portals like Planet Desert.
In this blog, topics related to a few conventional and few out-of-the-box air plant pot ideas will be covered. This will give you wide-ranging insights into how to showcase these air plants amazingly.
Remember, air plants are epiphytes, and in their natural habitat, they find host plants and get attached to them. You need to proactively use the correct air plant pot to let them thrive on their own at home.
Air plants, also known as tillandsias, are unique, exotic looking plants that have risen in popularity over recent years. Unlike traditional houseplants, air plants don’t require soil and absorb water and nutrients through their leaves and roots. This makes them perfect for displaying in containers other than traditional pots. From seashells to driftwood, there are so many creative ways to show off your air plants’ full beauty. Here are some of the best containers for displaying these soilless wonders.
Natural Materials Make Fantastic Holders
Natural containers like seashells, wood, and stone complement the natural form and textures of air plants perfectly. Here are some top picks:
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Seashells – Small shells like conch shells or large decorative shells work beautifully Make sure to choose shells that are large enough to cradle the plant.
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Driftwood – Driftwood comes in endless natural shapes that air plants can nestle perfectly into Look for pieces with knots, holes or indentations for the plant.
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Rocks/Stone – Funky shaped stones crystals, geodes and agate slices all make for cool air plant stands. Just be sure the plant fits stably.
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Pinecones – Larger scaled pinecones can cradle small air plant rosettes nicely. Glue in place with hot glue.
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Cork – Bits of cork bark have perfect nooks and crannies for air plants to sit in and the textures complement each other beautifully.
Natural materials have an organic look that pairs seamlessly with these untraditional plants. Let the plant shape guide you to a suitable holder.
Upcycled Finds Make Quirky Planters
Part of the fun of displaying air plants is using found objects creatively. Upcycling random items you have on hand into planters is a budget-friendly way to make them shine. Some fun options include:
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Teacups/mugs – Show off dainty plants in decorative china pieces. Mini plants can sit right in the bottom. Larger plants work attached to the inner or outer rim with hot glue or wire.
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Glassware – Colorful bottles, bowls, and jars allow you to highlight air plants’ colors. Neckless pieces work best.
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Candles – Once candles burn down partially or fully, the remaining glass makes a built-in planter. Just remove wax and clean it out fully first.
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Kitchenware – Items like strainers, colanders, and graters have good-sized holes for plants to take hold in. Metal and silicone work best over plastic.
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Succulent planters – Repurpose old succulent containers by simply popping your air plants right into the drainage holes.
Scour thrift and antique shops for vintage pieces. The more unique, the better for showcasing air plants.
Hanging Air Plant Holders Show Plants Off
Since air plants don’t require any soil and are so lightweight, they are perfect for hanging displays. Hanging planters are a great way to get creative with showing them off at different heights. Here are some top picks:
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Glass terrariums – Open-style glass terrariums allow air plants to get airflow while adding humidity. Hang them using the metal rings at the top or with fishing line/string.
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Macrame – Plant holders made from woven macrame ropes add bohemian style. The netting perfectly cradles plants in place.
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Hoops – Metal circle hoops and ovals can suspend air plants in midair. Use fishing line to create different configurations.
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Pendants – Decorative pendants for air plants come in materials like ceramic, acrylic, wood, and metal. The plant hangs down as a focal piece.
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Wire baskets – Small wire or mesh baskets make perfect hanging planters. Line them with a bit of sheet moss for added texture.
Hanging displays are fantastic above beds, next to windows, or anywhere you want to add greenery at eye level. Get creative with heights!
Sleek Ceramic and Glass Holders Show Subtle Beauty
The understated colors and forms of many air plant varieties look fabulous against sleek ceramic, glass, or acrylic backdrops. Some top options include:
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Ceramic pots – From basic terra cotta to colorful glazed ceramic, small pots let plants take center stage. Make sure pots have drainage.
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Glass cubes – Clear glass cubes and box planters are perfect for modern spaces. The see-through look highlights subtle plant details.
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Acrylic cases – Plastic cases come in geometric shapes like pyramids and cylinders. They add a contemporary edge while protecting plants.
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Terrariums – Closed glass terrariums keep in humidity while neatly framing plants. Look for styles with ventilation.
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Vases – Delicate plants can rest directly on the rim of a vase or attach to the lip with fishing line. Use interesting colored glass for pops of color.
These chic holders work nicely on shelves, mantles, desktops, and anywhere you want an elevated look. Their simple style keeps your plant the focal point.
DIY Air Plant Holders Are Fun and Creative
If you want to get extra creative, it’s easy to DIY unique air plant holders at home with simple materials. Here are some fun projects to try:
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Painted rocks – Turn plain rocks and stones into decor by painting them bright colors with acrylic craft paint. Metallic and glitter paints add pops of glitz.
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Wine cork holder – Glue a few wine corks together into a tight triangle or square shape. Nestle your air plant into the top opening.
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Magnet board – Take a small piece of sheet metal and attach strong magnets to the back. Display multiple mini plants by sticking them right on.
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Wire basket – Bend wire coat hangers into round basket shapes. Add a loop at the top for hanging. Optional – wrap the wire in yarn or string for added color.
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Wood discs – Drill varying sized holes into wood slices from a craft store. Glue in small plants or set larger rosettes on top.
The options for DIY-ing custom holders are endless! Let your creativity run wild.
Tips for Displaying Air Plants
When choosing containers and displaying air plants, keep these tips in mind:
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Make sure the plant fits securely in its holder – a snug fit keeps it looking tidy. Hot glue tacky parts in place.
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Look for holders that complement the plant’s colors and form or offer visual contrast.
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Bear weight and size in mind if displaying on walls or shelves. Larger plants in heavy planters need proper anchors/hardware.
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When using natural containers, soak the holder in water when watering plants to help add humidity.
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Rotate or move plants to different holders periodically to change things up and give them new views.
With a little creativity and the right containers, your gorgeous air plants will take center stage in any space. Enjoy displaying their unique beauty!
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Readily Available Air Plant Containers Options
1. A regular fish bowl – It is not a bad option when you need to display a large air plant. To make it appealing, you can use gravel to keep the plant something to attach to. Add a few sea shells to complete the look.
2. Small blocks of wood – Air plants easily attach to wooden substrata. Therefore, any kind of wood-based container or surface is absolutely ideal for the Tillandsia variety. If you search online, you’ll get some attractive options—for example, wood air plant holders with curved wires at the top. Simple rustic style wooden vases go well too with all kinds of indoor decor. There are wooden stands that come with glass vases, small and big. You can choose from floating wooden-based hangers or specific figurines made from wood.
3. Terrariums – Terrariums can make for cute air plant holders. The glass containers are available in different styles and sizes. If you have a small air plant, then go for a round small air plant holder. For the larger Tillandsia, you can choose pyramids and teardrop-shaped terrariums. Be it small, tiny air plant holders, or large air plants, you need to ensure that the container is well-ventilated and there is good airflow within the space. These air plant containers can be hung via a hook or rope. You can order stylish and finely-made glass containers online and, at the same time, recycle Mason jars or repurpose glass bowls.
4. Geometric air plant holders – The best part about these air plant pots and planters is that they can be handmade at home using DIY methods. These containers can be hung from the wall, ceiling, windowsill, balcony railings, staircase, etc. The other thing is that this is a versatile option with the choice of giving different geometric shapes and patterns. With these creative air plant holders, you can add zest to your space, from a rhombus to circular shapes. When you buy from a credible succulent store like Planet Desert, you have the flexibility of choosing from an array of practical options and designs.
5. White air plant holder – White ceramic air plant holders are a fantastic way of enhancing your indoor look. These are readily available too at a gardening store online. So, you wouldn’t have to search a lot. There are varied shapes and sizes. The bigger varieties like the Tillandsia Xerographica, Tillandsia Ready, Tillandsia Rothii, Tillandsia Jalisco Monticola, Tillandsia Floridiana Ros, Tillandsia Latifolia Caulescent Form, Tillandsia Balbisiana Velutina, or Tillandsia Samantha, you can order for the large air plant holders made from pure white ceramic. For the smaller ones, go for small geometric-shaped holders. There are wall-mounted air plant holder options, too, made from ceramic. The elegant white air plant holder in ceramic gives your place an exciting and inspiring look and feel.
6. Plastic air plant holder – A triangle display shelf made from plastic acts as an interesting air plant holder.
7. Sculpted table planters for air plants – These planters are widely available online. These are sold as sculpted planters, or you can use casted decor items and treat them as vases to place your Tillandsias. These chiselled pieces with the air plants look impressively exciting. A knotted sculpture is also a compelling choice.
8. Hanging pots for air plants – Hanging frames are an excellent choice for these types of air plant pots. It could be preferably metallic frames that are strong and can hold the fragile plants effectively. Meshed frames are better as you can hang multiple air plants alongside other daily use items like keys, hooks, umbrellas, and more. Then there are these innovative ones – the hammock-styled planters with a macrame holder.
9. Wall air plant holders – Mounted wooden stumps look fabulous as wall-mounted holders for air plants.
Top Rated Air Plant Containers Available On Amazon
FAQ
What type of container is best for an air plant?
What type of container is best for an air plant? Glass containers with wide openings work best. Choose vessels with adequate ventilation holes or openings. Avoid closed terrariums that trap moisture.
What is the best thing to put air plants in?
Instead, air plants absorb nutrients from the air around them. Hang them in glass ornamentals from your ceiling or simply display them on a bookshelf. Not to mention, Mosses pair well with air plants! Place your air plants on a bed of moss, either in a terrarium or a ceramic bow, and mist the moss every couple of days.
Can air plants live in a closed container?
Air plants grow well displayed in terrariums, which are clear glass or plastic containers filled with small plants.Mar 4, 2016
How best to display air plants?
Air plants (Tillandsia) need no potting compost, so are full of creative potential when it comes to their display. With these plants you can make indoor arrangements unlike any other by attaching them to wood, nestling them in the branches of other house plants, or growing in a hanging mobile.