Of the 650+ species of air plants, almost all thrive in bathrooms.
Any room that gets hot and steamy satisfies the needs of most Tillandsias.
The types that fair best of all come from the most humid regions of South America and Mexico.
Tillandsia Andreana
The andreana air plant loves the high humidity created by a hot and steamy bathroom.
It also needs bright light, but it has to be indirect. Ideal spots are near a windowsill with frosted glass or in a room where the light is on for long periods.
They are very striking air plants; they have a spiky pom-pom form. As their leaves grow, they get more chaotic and curly.
Tillandsia Recurvata
The recurvata is commonly known as ball moss due to the somewhat spherical shape it takes on.
It is native to Argentina and Chile, where it grows contentedly in the shade of the rainforests beneath the canopy of the trees.
Bathrooms replicate these conditions well, especially if they have little natural light and poor airflow.
Use the shower frequently to keep the humidity levels high as the plant is very thirsty and needs lots of water.
Tillandsia Bulbosa
Not only do bulbosa air plants love the atmosphere in a bathroom, but they look like they belong there. They are compact; rarely grow bigger than 4-inches. Their long, curly tendrils make them look like sea creatures, perfect for themed rooms.
They don’t need massive airflow and suit smaller bathrooms; however, they enjoy plenty of indirect sunlight. Situate them near a frosted glass window to see them thrive.
They bloom in magnificent shades of violet, red, and plum before reproducing several pups.
They suit terrariums and bottled gardens but must be removed to dry out after a thorough soaking. Any Tillandsia species with a bulbous core can hold onto stagnant water and rot if left wet.
Watering and Fertilizing Bathroom Air Plants – Is it Necessary?
Air plants need more than air to survive; they need light, warmth, food, and water. Tillandsias in the wild get most of their survival needs from the humidity in the air.
Indoors, we replace that with frequent misting, dunking, and soaking in water to supplement their needs.
Bathrooms have significantly higher humidity levels than the rest of the house, so air plants kept there receive more water and are, therefore, easier to maintain.
That doesn’t mean that they don’t appreciate additional deep watering sessions from time to time. Air plants tell their owners if they’re dehydrated; their leaves turn brown and brittle. In many species, they become much curlier.
Always ensure air plants are fully dried before returning them to their display; pooling water is one of the biggest killers. Place them in a colander or on paper towels in a well-aerated room for a few hours.
Tillandsias displayed in steamy bathrooms enjoy a booster feed occasionally. Specialist Bromeliad food is readily available. Mist the plants once a month to encourage blooming and reproduction.
