Do Air Plants Need Sun? All You Need to Know
Air plants aren’t just appealing due to their soil-free nature, but they’re also a pleasure to grow and create fun displays around your home or office. They are native to Central and South America, where you’ll find these unique plants growing on top of other plants, as well as tree branches. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, air plants are a great choice, thanks to their low-maintenance needs.
So, how much sun do air plants need?
In this blog, we’ll explore the ideal air plant light requirements and learn how to spot and fix problems caused by too much or too little light.
About Air Plants
Air plants (Tillandsia) are a special type of epiphyte that can grow and live on any readily available surface, including tree bark, and even bare rocks on the forest floor. They are called “air plants” because they don’t need any soil for nourishment. Instead, the air is the main source of nutrients and water for them. Tillandsias sometimes produce flowers, featuring small pink, purple, or white blooms.
What makes air plants extra fun is how you can display them on different surfaces. You can mount these tropical, soil-free wonders on wooden boards, place them in glass bowls, hang them in shells, or even attach them to driftwood!
There are 650+ species of air plants globally, but Spanish Moss, which has soft, gray hanging strands that look beautiful when draped, and the gigantic Giant Air Plant, with its bold, green leaves, are among the top sellers. These houseplants are pet-safe and perfect for adding a touch of greenery to any space with little effort.
How Much Sun Do Air Plants Need?
Air plants require at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight a day, which makes a South-, East- or North-facing window usually a good spot for them. A West-facing window can also be used; however, you should filter the incoming sun rays with sheer curtains or blinds before the strong afternoon sun scorches your Tillandsia’s narrow, strap-shaped leaves. If using artificial grow lights, increase the duration to at least 8-12 hours per day.
Air Plants: Light Requirements
Do air plants need light? Yes, absolutely! Light is important for any houseplants, and air plants are no exception. To stay healthy, Tillandsia need sufficient filtered sunlight; otherwise, they may lose their distinctive colors and droop.
Can Air Plants Survive in Low Light?
Whether air plants can survive in low light depends on the color of their leaves, i.e., green or non-green. Tillandsia species with green foliage cannot live in low light, as they need at least 6+ hours of bright, indirect sunlight, which facilitates photosynthesis.. On the other hand, air plants with non-green leaves can tolerate low-light conditions because their leaves have more trichomes, which help them absorb light and moisture more efficiently. Some low-light air plants include the Tillandsia Caput-Medusae, Tillandsia Tectorum, and Tillandsia Butzii.
Can Air Plants Survive on Artificial Light?
Yes, air plants can survive on artificial light, particularly in situations where natural light is scarce or not available at all. Energy-efficient fluorescent or full-spectrum LED plant lights work best for indoor use; however, make sure to place them about 6-12 inches above the plants and keep them on for at least 8-12 hours a day. This ideal setup helps your Tillandsia grow and stay healthy indoors, even without sunlight.
Air Plants Low Light: Issues & Fixes
When air plants don’t get the required amount of light, they show the following signs of stress:
- Faded or dull leaf color
- Leaves curling inward
- Slow or no growth
- Soft or limp leaves
- Falling off their display mount
How do I keep my air plant happy? It’s simple. Move your air plant to a brighter spot with ample indirect sunlight. If natural light isn’t enough, don’t worry. You can also use a fluorescent or LED grow light instead. Always avoid direct, harsh sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Many plant owners also believe that good airflow helps, so don’t keep the plant in closed, dark spaces.
Can Air Plants Handle Direct Sunlight?
Can air plants be in direct sunlight? Yes, but only for short periods. Most air plants prefer bright, indirect light. A little morning sun is okay, but strong afternoon sunlight can turn their leaves brown and crisp. If placing them near a West-facing window, make sure there’s a curtain or some shade to protect them.
Can Air Plants Get Too Much Light?
Yes, air plants can get too much light, especially direct afternoon sunlight, which can burn their narrow, paper-thin leaves. While they do enjoy warmth, extreme heat combined with strong light can be damaging and may cause symptoms such as:
- Brown or crispy leaf edges
- Faded or bleached leaves
- Yellow leaves
- Curling or shriveling leaves
- Leaves feel dry or brittle
- Burn spots on the surface
- Slow growth
- Dry appearance
If your air plant is getting too much light, move it to another spot with bright but indirect sunlight. You can also use a thin curtain to block harsh rays, plus, water your air plant more often during hot days to reduce the impact of the sun.
Air Plants Light Requirements: FAQs
Q: Where is the best place to put an air plant?
A: You can put your air plant on a shelf or table near a South, East-, or North-facing window to get the maximum amount of bright, indirect light during the day. Avoid dark corners or places with extreme heat or cold.
Q: Can I put my air plant outside?
A: Yes, you can put your air plant outside in warm, humid weather, during spring and summer. Just make sure to bring it indoors if the temperature drops below 45°F or if it gets too hot and dry. Also, keep it safe from heavy rain and direct sunlight to keep it healthy and happy.
Q: Do air plants need to be by a window?
A: Yes, air plants need to be near a window. A North- or South-facing window is ideal, as it gives them the bright, indirect light they love.
Q: Can air plants survive in a dark room?
A: No, air plants can’t survive in a dark room. They need light to grow, even if it's from your regular LED bulb. If there’s no natural light, use a grow light for 8-12 hours a day. Without enough light, they will slowly weaken and may die.
Q: How often do you water an air plant?
A: You should water your air plant by misting it 2-3 times a week or soaking it in water for 20-30 minutes once a week. After soaking, let it dry fully before placing it back on the display. Since watering depends on your room’s humidity and temperature, adjust as needed to avoid over- or underwatering.
Q: What should you not do with an air plant?
A: The most important thing you shouldn’t do with an air plant is to put it in soil; they don’t need it and will easily rot. Avoid placing them in dark or closed spaces without air, as well. Never leave them wet for too long after soaking, as this can trigger rot.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about air plant sun requirements. While they do need light to grow, you should protect them from full sun. Bright, indirect light is best for keeping air plants healthy and happy. If natural light is scarce, you can use a grow light instead. Just avoid dark spaces and strong direct sun. With the right light, your air plants will thrive and even bloom.