Air plants also known as tillandsias have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Their unique appearance and low maintenance care make them an ideal plant for both beginners and experts. But where exactly can you buy these intriguing plants? This complete guide will walk you through the main places to purchase air plants and things to consider when buying them.
Online Stores
One of the most convenient places to buy air plants is online. There are many specialty stores dedicated to air plants that offer a wide selection to choose from. Buying online allows you to shop from the comfort of home and have your new plants delivered right to your doorstep. Some of the most popular online air plant stores include:
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Air Plant Supply Co. – This shop offers a huge variety of air plant species and sizes. You can shop for individual plants or pre-made displays. They also have wholesale options for resellers. Air Plant Supply Co. is known for their high quality plants and excellent customer service.
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Air Plant Design Studio – Specializes in unique air plant displays like wire sculptures and terrariums. Along with plants they sell supplies for creating your own arrangements.
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Air Plants of Tillandsia – Family-owned shop with rare species and hybrids you won’t find elsewhere. Helpful plant care guides are also provided.
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Etsy – Many independent sellers offer air plants on Etsy. It’s easy to search for specific plant types and read reviews of different shops.
When buying online, be sure to closely inspect plant photos and read item descriptions. Reputable sellers will be upfront about the exact species and size of air plants so you know what to expect.
Local Plant Nurseries
Check with your local independent plant nurseries to see if they carry any air plants. These small businesses are a great option to see plants in person before you buy. Tell nursery staff what you’re looking for and they can point you to the right selection.
The downside is local nurseries may have a smaller inventory compared to large online stores. Call ahead to see if they stock air plants rather than visiting multiple places trying to find them.
Big Box Stores
For convenience, you may want to look for air plants at big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ikea. The selection is usually limited to only one or two common tillandsia species. But these larger chain stores can be a budget-friendly option, especially for starter plants.
Shop the garden center area of the store and check for air plants near other houseplants or tropical varieties. Take extra care inspecting the plants since big box stores don’t always provide the best care. Avoid any with damaged leaves or excessive drying.
Plant and Garden Shows
Attend a local plant show or botanical garden event to discover air plants for sale by specialty vendors. These shows attract a diverse range of plant sellers, giving you lots of options to find just the right air plant. And it’s fun to walk around admiring all the rare and unique plants!
The selection will vary at each show and sell out fast, so get there early. Bring cash and be prepared to carry your new plants around as you peruse the event. Shows may only happen annually or seasonally in your area. But they are worth checking out for exclusive finds.
Florists
If you’re looking for an easy way to buy air plants as gifts or decor, visit local retail florists. Many florists now sell a selection of popular air plant species alongside their flower arrangements.
This presents a convenient way to purchase air plants if you’re already buying flowers or other occasion gifts. Keep in mind the selection is usually small, but florists can special order specific plants if you request it.
Things to Consider When Buying Air Plants
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Health – Carefully inspect plants for any signs of distress like brown crispy leaves or rotting. Only buy vigorous plants with bright green foliage free of defects.
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Size – Prices are generally based on the size of air plants. Small 2-3 inch plants are most affordable while 8 inches or larger are most expensive. Consider the final size you want for displaying.
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Species – There are over 500 air plant species, each with different shapes and features. Decide if you want common varieties or rare collector’s plants.
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Presentation – Buy standalone plants or opt for pre-arranged displays like wire frames, wood mounts, or terrariums depending on your needs.
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Quantity – Determine how many air plants you want. Buying in bulk can give you a full arrangement or collection to display.
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Budget – Air plants range from just a few dollars for mini plants to $50+ for rare varieties. Set a spending limit before you start shopping around.
Bring Your Air Plant Dreams to Life!
Air plants are addictively easy to fall for once you start learning about their incredible diversity. With this guide, you now have plenty of options to start building your own air plant oasis. Tracking down these fascinating plants is all part of the fun.
Whether you want an endless expanse of air plants filling your home or just one perfect specimen, the ideal plant for you is out there waiting! With proper care, your new air plant will thrive for many years to come. Just be cautious about visiting plant shops or nurseries unless you can resist temptation to bring home “just one more.”
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We get this question a lot. In short they are well known as air plants. They are in the Bromeliad or Bromeliaceae family and have roughly 540 natural species. Since growing in popularity there are another 200 or so hybrids that hobbiest have created. The most famous and delicious Bromeliad is the Pineapple. While we don’t recommend eating your air plants it is good to know they come from a great family.
Tillandsia have adapted to live in a variety of challenging climates around the Americas. You will find these amazingly hardy plants in the southern parts of the United States, Mexico, Central America and South America. With very specific evolutionary adaptations these plants can live in jungles, cloud forests, deserts and mountain highlands. The many different climates Tillandsia can live in makes for a large and diverse plant family that attracts plant collectors and hobbyists all over the world!
Plant shape and size is directly affected by the specific climates in which they live. Wet climates with abundant and consistent rainfall produces plants with thinner leaves. Deserts that are prone to drought or long periods of dry hot weather have naturally selected thicker leaved plants that are better at storing water like a camel. These plants also have developed involuted or curled leaves that help to protect it from dehydration. Microscopic white hairs called trichomes that collect water and act as sunscreen are common on these desert plants. Cloud forest-based plants also have trichomes that help in catching clouds or moisture for their use.
Why don’t they live planted in soil? They have adapted to rely on their leaves instead of their roots to absorb their nutrients and moisture. Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants, rocks and structures and don’t need soil to live. Epiphytes are not parasites though. They do not take nutrients or moisture from their host. The internal structure and anatomy of Tillandsia have adapted to survive on varied hosts both alive and not. Their leaves are able to pull moisture from the air more efficiently while some have developed a camel-like ability to store water and survive in areas prone to drought. Being up in trees or on rocky cliffs protects these plants from damage done by foraging animals, flooding or erosion on the ground. Not that a monkey or bird couldn’t do some damage, but Tillandsia chose to take their chances up in the air and off the ground.
Carolus Linnaeus, a leading scientist from the 1700’s coined the term Tillandsia after the Swedish born Dr. Elias Tillandz, a well known botanist and physician. Linnaeus was at the forefront of European botany and animal science. His life’s work inspired much of the modern day science that helped us understand the Tillandsia genus. These amazing plants are still not fully understood and the work of Linnaeus continues through modern day botanist and enthusiasts.
Whether you like to research each species and understand how amazingly unique they are on a molecular level or if you just love to have air plants around the house, Tillandsia are certainly a family of plants that bring joy and wonder to any greenhouse or home. Air Plant Supply Co.: Visit us to Buy Quality Air Plants & Tillandsias
Welcome Spring with open arms —and a Tillandsia (or two) to match!
We specialize in Tillandsia air plants, terrariums, botanical branch arrangements, wedding and event favors. Shop with confidence as our plants are protected by our 30 Day Health & Quality Guarantee. We donate $1 from every order to Pencils of Promise.
Air Plants (Tillandsia) 101 – Care Tips & Fun Facts!
FAQ
Where is the best place for air plants?
Grow air plants in bright but indirect light, such as near a window. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause their leaves to burn.Jul 31, 2023
How long do air plants last?
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Lifespan:
- Air plants can live for several years, with some species potentially living for 10 years or more with proper care.
- The lifespan can vary depending on the species, the plant’s overall health, and environmental factors like light, humidity, and temperature.
- While a single air plant may die after blooming, it can produce pups (offshoots) that can continue the life cycle.
- Air plants can live for several years, with some species potentially living for 10 years or more with proper care.
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Blooming:
- Air plants typically bloom only once in their lifetime.
- The bloom period can last for several days to months, depending on the species.
- After blooming, the mother plant may change color, such as to deep shades of pink and red.
- Air plants typically bloom only once in their lifetime.
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Pups:
- Pups, or offsets, are offspring produced by the mother plant.
- Pups can grow to be quite sizable within a couple of months.
- You can either leave the pups to form a clump or separate them to grow individually.
- Pups, or offsets, are offspring produced by the mother plant.
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Factors Affecting Lifespan:
- Care: Regular hydration, adequate light, and proper airflow contribute to a longer lifespan.
- Species: Some species are more long-lived than others.
- Environment: Factors like light, humidity, and temperature can impact the plant’s health and lifespan.
- Care: Regular hydration, adequate light, and proper airflow contribute to a longer lifespan.
Does Home Depot sell air plants?
ALTMAN PLANTS Air Plants Large Tillandsia Lonantha (10-Pack) 0880080 – The Home Depot.
Are air plants easy to keep alive?
Air plants should be kept where they’ll receive bright, indirect sunlight or under fluorescent home/office lighting. Periods of direct sunlight are just fine, but more than a few hours of hot sun will deplete the plants of their moisture.
Why should I buy from air plant shop?
Confidently support an environmentally conscious supply chain when you buy from Air Plant Shop. Read our blog posts covering air plant care, aesthetics, design and more! Air Plant Shop: Shop and Save on hundreds of species of Tillandsia air plants, glass terrariums, urchins, cork bark and ceramic containers.
Who is air plant shop?
Air Plant Shop specializes in Tillandsia air plants, terrariums, botanical branch arrangements, wedding and event favors. All orders are hand-selected and shipped by our team in St. Augustine, Florida. Shop with confidence as our plants are protected by our 30 Day Health & Quality Guarantee. The latest arrivals from our farms.
What are air plants?
From terrariums to living walls, air plants are a unique alternative to traditional foliage. In nature Tillandsia air plants can be found in a wide range of environments, from humid rainforests to dry and arid deserts.
Do air plants get free shipping?
Receive free, fast shipping for all orders over $30. Air plants and their holders make great gifts! Most products have a $5 add-on to add one of our folding gift boxes. If not, add gift wrapping to almost any order in your cart. Our plants are grown in accordance with all local and international endangered plant regulations.
Where can I buy Tillandsia air plants?
Take the Air Plant Quiz! Air Plant Shop specializes in Tillandsia air plants, terrariums, botanical branch arrangements, wedding and event favors. All orders are hand-selected and shipped by our team in St. Augustine, Florida. Shop with confidence as our plants are protected by our 30 Day Health & Quality Guarantee.
How do I contact airplant design studio?
Email us at [email protected] for our corporate gifting catalogue. Just what is an air plant? We get this question a lot, “What is an air plant?” and “What is a Tillandsia?”. Often times people assume that they get their name because they are found in trees or on rock cliffs, hanging in the air.