Are Air Plants Succulents: Separating Fact from Fiction

Oleh Jodi Nicolas June 09, 2023 Post a Comment

As houseplants continue to grow in popularity, so do the number of questions surrounding them. One question that has been popping up lately is whether air plants are succulents. Succulents are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, which makes them low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Air plants, on the other hand, don't have roots and rely on absorbing water and nutrients through their leaves. So, are air plants succulents? Let's find out.

What Are Air Plants?

Before we dive into whether air plants are succulents or not, let's first understand what air plants are. Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are a type of epiphyte plant that grows without soil. They belong to the Bromeliaceae family, which includes pineapples and Spanish moss. Air plants absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, and they can be found growing on trees, rocks, and other surfaces.

Air plants are native to Central and South America, Mexico, and the southern United States. There are over 650 species of air plants, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some have long, thin leaves, while others have short, stubby leaves. Some are green, while others are silver, red, or purple.

The Definition of Succulents

To determine whether air plants are succulents, we need to first define what a succulent is. Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive in arid environments. These plants have adapted to thrive in hot, dry climates by evolving the ability to store water for long periods of time.

Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from small rosettes to large tree-like plants. They are found all over the world, from deserts to rainforests. Some common examples of succulents include cacti, aloe vera, and jade plants.

Are Air Plants Succulents?

Now that we understand what air plants and succulents are, we can answer the question: are air plants succulents? The short answer is no, air plants are not succulents. While both types of plants have adapted to survive in harsh environments, they do so in different ways.

Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, which allows them to go long periods of time without water. Air plants, on the other hand, absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, which means they need to be watered more frequently than succulents.

Additionally, air plants don't have roots like succulents do. This means that they can't be planted in soil and need to be displayed in a different way. Air plants can be mounted on a piece of wood or placed in a decorative container filled with rocks or sand.

How to Care for Air Plants

While air plants aren't succulents, they still require similar care. Here are some tips for caring for air plants:

Water: Air plants should be misted or soaked in water once a week. Make sure to shake off any excess water after watering to prevent the plant from rotting.
Light: Air plants need bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can damage their leaves.
Temperature: Air plants prefer temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.
Fertilizer: Air plants can be fertilized once a month with a bromeliad fertilizer.

Common Misconceptions About Air Plants

There are a few common misconceptions about air plants that we should address:

Air plants don't need water: While air plants can survive without soil, they still need water to survive. As mentioned earlier, air plants should be misted or soaked in water once a week.
Air plants only grow in the air: While air plants don't need soil to grow, they can still be mounted on a surface or placed in a container with rocks or sand.
Air plants are indestructible: While air plants are low-maintenance, they still require care and attention. Neglecting to water or fertilize them can cause them to die.

Benefits of Air Plants

While air plants may not be succulents, they still offer many benefits as houseplants. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding air plants to your collection:

Low-maintenance: Air plants are easy to care for and don't require soil.
Air-purifying: Like other plants, air plants help to purify the air by removing toxins.
Decorative: Air plants come in a variety of shapes and colors, making them a great decorative element in any room.

In conclusion, air plants are not succulents. While both types of plants have adapted to survive in harsh environments, they do so in different ways. Air plants absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, while succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. Despite this, air plants still offer many benefits as houseplants and are worth considering if you're looking for a low-maintenance, decorative plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do air plants need soil?

No, air plants don't need soil to grow. They can be displayed in a variety of ways, such as mounted on a piece of wood or placed in a decorative container filled with rocks or sand.